If you're finding it hard to pay your gas or electricity bill
It's important that you contact your energy supplier as soon as you start finding it difficult to pay your bills.
Further information and support can be found on the Ofgem website.
You could also contact the British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity that can help - no matter who your energy supplier is.
If you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter
You can get temporary credit if you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter. Visit the Citizens Advice website or the British Gas website for more information.
Energy bill support from the government
The government is providing support for households through the Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bills Support Scheme.
Please visit the GOV.UK website to find out more.
Home energy support from Hampshire County Council
Hitting the Cold Spots can help with short or long term solutions if you're struggling to keep your home warm.
Grants or loans to make your home more efficient
Low-income households could be eligible for funding that covers the cost of energy improvements to their home.
If you don’t qualify for funding, you can apply for an interest free COSY loan to help spread the cost of improvements.
Find out more on our COSY East Hampshire page.
Help with heating costs can also be found on the government's website:
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- National Concessionary Fuel Scheme
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Cold Weather Payment
- Help to heat
- Energy bills support scheme - alternative funding
Energy advice from Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice has an Energy Champion who can provide advice and support around any energy matter, switching and fuel poverty. This service is available until 31 March 2023. Call 080 8278 7901 or complete a referral form online.
Other energy advice
You can also:
- Get energy advice from Ofgem
- Get advice about paying your bills and reducing how much energy you use
- Find ways to save energy in your home
- Get a smart meter
- Get advice about cutting the cost of your energy and water bills
- Find out what the energy companies are doing to help
- Find help if you heat your home using heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Warm and welcoming spaces
If you need to access somewhere warm during the day over the winter period, there are lots of activities and groups you can join across the district.
All Hampshire libraries are offering warm and welcoming spaces. You can use the Warm Welcome website to search for warm spaces in your area.
Warm spaces are also being set up in the community, including the below. Please contact the venue directly for details.