Help with heating and energy costs
Find out how to lower your heating and energy costs, and how to get help with paying your bill.
About heating and energy in council homes
All council homes have electricity and heating. Some homes use gas for heating and some use electricity.
It’s important to take a meter reading when you move in and let your supplier know.
If you have both gas and electricity, you can have separate suppliers and 2 bills, but it’s usually cheaper to get your gas and electricity from the same company. This is called dual fuel.
Some council homes have communal heating, this is usually paid for with the rent.
Choosing an energy supplier
When you move in, you can carry on with the supplier from the previous tenant or change suppliers.
You should shop around for the best deal every year as prices and deals often change.
Some suppliers offer green energy tariffs that use renewable energy and help the environment.
Advice and support to save energy
The Centre for Sustainable Energy provides advice on saving energy, including reducing electricity, gas and water bills.
Keep as much heat in the property as possible to save money on heating bills. You can get help to make your home more efficient.
Help to pay for your energy and heating bills
If you struggle to pay your energy bills, your supplier may be able to help.
You also may be able to get a winter fuel payment to help with bills at the start of the winter.
If you can't pay your heating bills, speak to your energy provider.
Don’t ignore bills, or you may end up owing far more or even get cut off.