Contact your energy supplier
If you are struggling to afford your energy bills then you should first contact your energy supplier as they have a range of possible options which may be able to help you. More information on the type of help offered be energy suppliers is available here.
Get help with the cost of living from your local council
The Crisis and Resilience fund provides funding to help people who are struggling to afford food and utility bills (heating, cooking, lighting) and water (including drinking, washing, cooking, central heating, sewerage and sanitary purposes). This support is not provided directly by National Energy Action and you should contact your own local council. If you are not sure who your local authority is you can type in your postcode to find out at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Consumer Advice Line: 0808 223 1133. You can call the Citizens Advice consumer line for help and support with debt, income maximisation or about your energy bills or visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
If you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say: 18001 then 0808 223 1133.
You can use Relay UK with an app or a textphone. There’s no extra charge to use it. Find out how to use Relay UK on the Relay UK website.
Benefits advice and charitable grants
You can complete an online benefit check yourself using a trusted independent benefits calculator.
Benefit calculators can help you work out:
- what benefits you might be entitled to; and
- how to claim
Independent calculators are available through
If you need help with understanding your entitlement you can speak to your local Citizens Advice.
Lighting Reach is a free online portal that connects you to financial support from various sources, quickly and securely – all in one place. This may include grants from charities, funding from your local council or support with your utility bills.
Help with your water bills
Every water company in England and Wales offers affordability support schemes and water efficiency measures take a look at the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) advice hub or Ask Bill askbill.org.uk for more information about what might be available in your area.
You can find out more about how to save water with the following organisations:
Food banks
To find your nearest food bank visit: Find a Food Bank – you will usually need to obtain a food voucher from a local agency or alternatively contact the free helpline on 0808 208 2138 to speak with a trained Citizens Advice adviser.
If you have a smart phone, apps like OLIO and TooGoodToGo are trying to tackle food waste by letting people know when there is food which would otherwise go to waste being sold at a low cost nearby.
Smart Energy GB
Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit, government-backed campaign helping everyone in Britain understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment. If you would like to understand more about smart metering take a look here.
Energy Saving Trust
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation and trusted voice on energy efficiency solutions. Take a look at their website for tips on ways to save energy in your home.
Energy efficiency
Visit www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency for official UK Government advice on how to make your home more energy efficient. The website offers clear, practical guidance on upgrades that can reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and improve home comfort.
Prefer to speak to someone? The Home Retrofit Advice and Information Line provides free, personalised support to help improve your home’s energy performance. Call 0800 098 7950 to speak with an advisor.
In an emergency…
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak call the National Gas Emergency Service 24 hours a day on 0800 111 999. If you are D/deaf or hard of hearing Relay UK helps deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing people talk to each other over the phone using a relay service. You can find more information here.
If you have a power cut call the national power cut line on 105.
Most fire services offer a Safe and Well visit. It’s also called a Home Fire Safety visit. It’s especially for people who might be at higher risk such as people with health conditions or young children in the home – contact your local fire service for more information. They will check your home for any fire risks and offer advice and guidance on how to reduce those risks.
If you need to talk
0300 123 3393
Open 9am-6pm weekdays
0800 585858
Open 5pm-midnight
0800 123 737
Always open
Wales
0808 808 4994
Open 4pm-11pm
Under 25s