How to Save on Energy Bills with Universal Credit: A Simple Guide

Are you on Universal Credit and feeling the pinch when it comes to your energy bills? You’re not alone, and thankfully, several grants could help lower those costs. Whether you’re a low-income household or you’re struggling with fuel poverty, these grants and energy efficiency schemes are made to help people like you live more comfortably. From making your home cosier to reducing how much you pay each month, here’s a friendly guide to what’s out there for you.

Key Takeaways

• Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Why Apply For an Energy Efficiency Grant?
• How to Check Eligibility and Apply

1. Warm Home Discount Scheme

This scheme provides a crucial discount on your energy bills during winter, making heating more affordable. It’s a direct way to manage energy costs effectively for those on Universal Credit and is often a straightforward application process through your energy supplier.

2. Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

The ECO scheme encourages energy companies to help make homes more energy efficient. If you’re receiving Universal Credit, you may be eligible for energy efficiency upgrades like:

• Loft insulation helps keep your home warm without cranking up the heater.
• Cavity wall insulation is an effective method for reducing energy costs by minimising heat loss.
• Central heating upgrades, if your current system is inefficient
  Boiler grants, to replace old, inefficient models.

3. The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The Great British Insulation Scheme is a government program that runs until March 2026. It helps homeowners and tenants in the UK improve their homes’ energy efficiency.

If your home meets certain criteria, you could be eligible for free or subsidised insulation through the GBIS. Generally, your property needs to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G and fall within Council Tax bands A-D (England) or A-E (Scotland & Wales).

You can also qualify for support if you are on a low income and receive specific benefits. For more information, check out our GBIS page, or give our team a call.

4. Winter Fuel Payment

Aimed primarily at older residents, this payment helps cover heating bills during the cold months. If you’re receiving Universal Credit and either Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, tax credits, or Attendance Allowance, you might qualify for this annual support.

Why Apply For an Energy Efficiency Grant?

Applying for an energy efficiency grant offers several practical benefits that can help you financially and make your home more comfortable:

• Lower Energy Bills: Improvements like better insulation measures and efficient heating systems mean you use less energy and spend less money.
• Comfortable Living Space: Upgrades like adding insulation to your walls and roof help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Help the Environment: Using less energy reduces pollution, which is better for the planet.
• Increase Home Value: Homes with energy-saving features often sell for more because they’re cheaper to run.
• Save Money Over Time: The money you save on energy can eventually add up to more than what you spent on the upgrades.
• Use of Green Energy: Grants can help pay for technologies that use renewable energy, like solar power, which can save you even more in the future.
• Qualify for More Benefits: Making your home energy efficient might also make you eligible for other types of financial help.

How to Check Eligibility and Apply

Each grant has its own eligibility criteria. If you’re not sure where to start or how to figure it out, call our team.

We’ll have a no-obligation chat to find out if there are any grants you are eligible for, help you with the application process and oversee the installation of your energy-saving measures.

Take Control of Your Energy Future

By taking advantage of the available energy grants, you’re not just easing your financial burden—you’re also investing in a more sustainable and efficient home.

Whether it’s through improving insulation or installing cutting-edge renewable technology, these initiatives offer significant opportunities to reduce energy costs and contribute to environmental conservation. Reach out to our team today, and we can cut those costs together.