Energy, Water, TV and Broadband Bills
Energy, Water, TV and Broadband Bills
The Governments energy bills support programmes have now finished. If you applied before the deadline for the various schemes these will be processed in accordance with the terms of the funding. Details of the schemes operated can be found here https://www.gov.uk/get-help-energy-bills
Alternatively lower-income householders across Devon whose homes are not on the gas grid are invited to apply for free energy efficiency improvements to their homes.
The Home Upgrade Grant scheme is funded through money secured by Devon County Council and aims to deliver energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to low-income households living in poorly performing homes.
This scheme will run until March 2025 and is open to households whose homes are not heated by gas (ie dwellings that use oil, LPG, coal, solid fuels or electricity for heating purposes), have an Energy Performance Certificate of D, E, F or G and who are on a low income.
To fulfil the low income criteria, applicants must either live in an eligible postcode area or have a total household income of £31,000 or less before tax.
Apply through the Energy Saving Devon website.
Anyone without access to the internet, can register by phoning Devon County Council directly on 0345 155 1015.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help with your TV Licence - The Simple Payment Plan was created for those in financial difficulty.
Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months, this means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.
TV Licensing accepts referrals to the Simple Payment Plan from not-for-profit organisations such as charities or your local authority money advice department. It cannot accept referrals from commercial organisations.
If you would like to speak to someone about your finances, you can contact any not-for-profit organisations offering free, confidential and independent advice - see list on this page https://www.torridge.gov.uk/managingyourmoney. Any not-for-profit organisation providing this service can refer you to join the Simple Payment Plan. More information on the simple payment plan and how to access it can also be found here https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs
Other Advice
Free Energy Efficiency Improvements - Cosy Devon Website - For those earning less than £30,000
Energy Saving Trust - Independent, expert advice on steps to save money on your energy bills
Energy Saving Devon - tips for saving energy at your own property, including help to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your bills.
Warm Home Discount Scheme - £140 off your electricity bill
Winter Fuel Payments - £100 - £300 for those born on or before 5 January 1952
Cold Weather Payment overview - £25 if temperature reach zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days
361 Energy website - 01271 599361 energy and water debt, discounts and changing supplier, energy saving solutions, free home visits, free energy saving measures such as LED lightbulbs
NEA Home Energy Checklist - National Energy Action practical information to help people manage their energy bills
Grants to clear domestic gas and electricity debts British Gas Energy Trust website
Note that before applying to the Trust you are encouraged to get money or debt advice first.
Devon libraries - Warm spaces in the libraries some with sessions and advice about energy efficiency, debt advice and other topics also warm winter coat donation and distribution via coat rails project
South West Water - Help with Water Bills
Cheaper broadband and phone packages - For people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits sometime referred to as 'essential' or 'basic' broadband.