Energy advice for vulnerable households to beat the freeze this winter season
New guidance has been issued to help households reduce their energy costs over the Christmas period ahead of an expected rise in fuel poverty in the New Year.
The government’s latest fuel poverty report for 2022, published earlier this year, revealed that across England as a whole, 3.26million households (13.4%) were in fuel poverty. The report states the figure for 2023 is expected to increase further to 3.53million (14.4%) as households battle rising energy costs and inflation.
Fuel poor households are defined as a property with an energy efficiency rating of Band D to G with its disposable income below the poverty line.
In response OFTEC, a registration body for off-gas grid heating technicians, has published new advice on how vulnerable households can reduce their fuel costs by making full use of the energy payment and saving schemes available. These include:
Winter Fuel Payment
- Most people born before 25 September 1957 are entitled to the Winter Fuel Paymentto help with heating costs. This is a tax-free payment of between £250 and £600 paid to you between November and December. Most people automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they are eligible.
Cold Weather Payment
- If you receive Pension Credit, or certain other benefits, you may able to claim the Cold Weather Payment. This is a payment of £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Warm Home Discount
- You may be entitled to a Warm Home Discounton your electricity bill if you receive Pension Credit or if you are on a low income. This is a one-off discount of £150 applied directly to your electricity bill between October 2023 and March 2024.
Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) Scheme
- The ECOscheme helps households living in fuel poverty make energy efficiency upgrades to their home. Large energy suppliers are obliged to promote measures that improve the ability of low income households to heat their homes and reduce their energy usage. This includes installing insulation or upgrading a heating system.
Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, commented: “Whilst it’s an exciting time of year for many households as we head in the holiday season, sadly we know that the impact of the current cost of living crisis means many will struggle to heat their homes this Christmas.
“The latest fuel poverty report is deeply worrying and it’s shocking that so little progress has been made in tackling this issue in recent years. That’s why, this year more than ever, it’s crucial households are aware of the support available to help them keep warm and well.”
More information can be found at www.oftec.org.