Improving the energy efficiency of your home is not always cheap. Especially if using professional installers or considering major changes to your heating system. You can get grants and financial assistance to help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Many are grants from the government or gas and electricity suppliers. Always check to make sure you are not paying too much for your fuel. You can make some simple checks to ensure you are not paying more than necessary.

• Check your bills
  When your fuel bill arrives make sure it is for the correct amount, by checking your meter with your bill. If the reading is incorrect contact your fuel supplier to inform them.
• Check your supply and payment options
  It is worth shopping around to find the best price for your fuel as different companies supply gas and electricity at different rates.  Most customers can switch free of charge as long as you are not in debt with your fuel supplier. Check whether you are getting the best deal for energy by going to the Energy Watch website on the link below.

There are different ways of paying for your fuel ranging from prepayment  meters to direct debit.   Some are more expensive than others so it may be worth checking with your fuel supplier the cheapest option.

• Check your budgeting
  There are several organisations that can help you budget effectively the important thing is not to leave it too late. If you find yourself owing money to the fuel supplier you should call the company to discuss your options. It may be possible to change the payment method or agree with the supplier a way to meet both their needs and yours.
• Check your Income
  For advice on budgeting and fuel debt, talk to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau helpline on 0870 126 4056 (for aylesbury) or 0180 826787 (for buckinghor call the Budget Advice Team at AVDC on 01296 585858, or email: budgetadvice@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

Check whether you are entitled to benefits by calling the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 or check the Benefits Calculator.

• Be less wasteful
  Having an energy efficient home and heating system, and the best possible payment method, will only go so far towards reducing our fuel bills. If you misuse your heating system and appliances you will still be throwing money down the drain.

Top tips for a cheap bill

• Turn lights and appliances off when they are not in use. Don’t leave the television or other equipment on standby
• Use low energy light bulbs or A-rated appliances where possible
• Keep the fridge and freezer door open as little as possible to keep the cold air in and the warm air out
• Cook all vegetables in one pan where possible, and keep the lids on saucepans while cooking
• Only use the heating when it is needed. If you get up at seven in the morning you probably don’t need the heating on all night
• Find out how long it takes for your home to warm up and cool down on an average winter day and use that as a guide to set the timer on your heating system
• If you are cold in the evening, put another jumper on rather than turning the heating up.
  Turn the thermostat down to a maximum of 21degrees, but not below 18 degrees C.
• Draw the curtain or pull the blinds at dusk to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
  Dry clothes naturally outside where possible rather than using a tumble-dryer
• Use an economy setting on the washing machine where possible
• Only put the washing machine on when there is enough laundry for a full load.
• Take a shower rather than a bath, as this uses less hot water
• Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it working efficiently.

Check if you can get a grant

Healthy Homes Grant

For those householders who have been admitted to hospital as an in-patient for cold related ill-health, help may be available to improve the energy efficiency of the home to prevent recurrence of ill health and readmission to hospital.

To be eligible, you need to be:
• either over 60, or have one or more children under 10 living with you
• and be in receipt of a specified means tested benefit
• and referred by a medical practitioner
Up to £2,500 may be available to help make the home warmer.

Empty Homes Renovation Grant

This is to help bring empty properties back into use for someone who needs a home.
There are a number of conditions:

• The property must be unoccupied
• It must have been in the same ownership for at least 2 years
• There must be an identified need for the accommodation
• It will have to be let at an affordable rent
• It will have to be managed for an agreed time by a Registered Social Landlord
The level of financial help available depends on the period of nomination rights; 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50% of the eligible costs for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years respectively. The maximum grant is £20,000.

Help with insulation and heating

If you are a homeowner or privately renting accommodation, are on certain benefits, or on a low income, you may be able to get help with: insulation, draught proofing and an efficient heating system. Please call Milton Keynes Energy Advice Centre on 0800 512012. They will be able to give advice on current grants, discount schemes and general information on energy efficiency.

Date Updated: 14/03/08