Looking for Help With Energy?

Please be aware that due to the COVID 19 outbreak, there may be delays with paper billings at the moment.

Citizens Advice Lancashire West have been delivering energy advice since 2012 and are proud members of  National Energy Action (www.nea.org.uk) who are working to end fuel poverty. 

Energy Advice Programme

Our Energy Advice Programme provides assistance with a wide range of issues relating to gas and electric supply. 

Our trained Energy Advisers are able to help with:

• Struggling to pay your energy bills

• Issues with payments

• Energy-saving action advice

• Moving from prepayment to DD payments

• Understanding your current contract, bills and statements

• Finding the best deals to help minimise fuel costs

• Help with switching tariffs and suppliers

• Problems with Smart meters

• Resolving issues with your supplier and making a complaint.

• Grants and Schemes to improve energy efficiency

• Safer homes information – Carbon Monoxide monitor/Smoke Alarms

Fuel Vouchers

If you have at least one prepayment meter and struggling to add credit onto your meter, we may be able to help you with a £30 fuel voucher.

• These are worth £30 and can only be used with Prepayment Meters. Our current scheme offers a maximum of 3 in a 12 month period 

• You’ll need to apply and provide photos of your prepayment meter(s), as well as proof of your name and address. To apply, click here: Fuel Voucher Application

If you pay after usage, usually monthly by Direct Debit or quarterly on receipt of your bill, and struggling to make regular payments then we advise you to contact your supplier to seek their assistance

Energy Debts

First, check with your supplier to see if they have a fund you could apply to and if you’ve not already done so, we recommend you seek debt advice. If you can get help to pay off the debt, this will make more money available to help you pay for your usage. Call our Debt helpline on 0800 240 4420 to ask for assistance.

Energy Affordability

If you’re struggling to afford paying for gas and electricity, we’ve put together information about the current Cost of Living support and information about energy affordability. Click here for the helpsheet. 

Energy Know-How

Citizens Advice have a wide range of information, guidance and advice about your energy supply. Click here to for more information: Citizens Advice – Energy Advice

• Energy Know-How – Advice you need this winter (click to view booklet) 

• Energy Know-How – simple energy-saving tips and where to get help (click to view leaflet)
  
  

Smart meters

Smart meters can help you keep track of your usage and provide your supplier with regular readings so you don’t have to. For more information about how they can help you, click on the pdf link and YouTube videos below: 

Prepay smart meters (English,  Gujarati, Polish, Punjabi)

View the BSL video guide below:

Struggling to pay – more information 

• Get extra support from your supplier – Including Priority Services Register

• Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills  – Including Warm Home Discount Scheme, Energy rebates and grants, Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments and Fuel Vouchers 

• Park Homes Warm Home Discount – for those who live in park homes

• Oil Fuel Heating – Over 75s Cold Weather Priority Scheme  – Help available for those over 75 who have oil heating systems

• Trussell Trust – Help Through Hardship service – call them on 0808 208 2138. This service has translators and operates the Relay UK service

• EntitledTo – Benefits Checker for Individuals – make sure you’re receiving all the benefits you are entitled to, use this link to help maximise your income.
  

Saving by using less 

• Energy-Saving Actions – for more information about ways to reduce your household energy usage.

• Cost of running electrical appliances  – this tool helps you work out the KwH usage for appliances

• Simple Energy Advice website – a wide range of information including reducing energy bill, making your home warmer and making your home greener

• Affordable Warmth Scheme – Energy Company Obligation – for those needing help with energy-saving improvements (eligibility applies)

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme – this is not a scheme to help get your boiler fixed but for upgrading to a more efficient heating system.

• Energy Saving Tips / Energy grants – eligibility applies.

• Cosy Homes in Lancashire (ECO3 scheme)  – including replacing boilers, insulation, LPG heating, glazing upgrades and First Time Central Heating. You may be eligible for a grant to help with the cost of making your home warmer and more efficient

To make a self-referral to our energy advice team, please complete an online enquiry form, giving details of your issue.

Alternatively, you can contact the Consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133