Help with fuel bills
Energy bills are rising rapidly, and this will have a big impact on your household finances.
Citizens Advice have support with paying your energy bills and income maximisation.
Marches Energy Advice works to help support anyone struggling to pay energy bills and also households wanting to improve their energy efficiency.
National Energy Action (NEA) have an energy support line.
Energy at Home is an online resource by the Energy Trust which outlines affordable ways for households to cut their energy bills.
Winter bills
If you were born on or before 27 June 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a Winter Fuel Payment. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment if they're eligible, and will receive a letter in October or November 2026.
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you're getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you're eligible, you'll get these payments automatically. You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you. The payments do not affect your other benefits.
You'll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below over 7 consecutive days. You'll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027.
Energy fraud scams
The different schemes designed to help people with the cost of energy can be confusing, and fraudsters take advantage of this to steal money or personal information.
Signs of an energy scam include:
- being contacted unexpectedly
- a deal that sounds too good to be true
- being pressured to hand over details quickly
- being asked to transfer money quickly or in an unusual way
If you receive an unexpected message, call or letter about energy support, ask yourself whether it could be fake and do not be rushed into making a payment, clicking a link or sharing details. Only criminals will try to rush you. Check with a trusted friend or family member, or one of the organisations listed on this page. Find out how to protect yourself from scams.
If you think you have been scammed contact your bank immediately, and report your cyber crime and fraud or telephone: 0300 123 2040.
Track your fuel costs
If you're looking to switch energy supplier, Ofgem provides impartial advice about how to switch.
If you rent your home, your landlord can't charge you for gas or electricity if you pay your supplier directly. Your landlord can only charge you for gas or electricity if your tenancy agreement says they can. Citizens Advice Bureau has more information on what your landlord can charge you for energy.
Around 35% of Derbyshire households don't have mains gas and often rely on heating oil to keep their houses warm. These households might be able to join Rural Action Derbyshire's Community Oil Buying Scheme which bulk buys oil and helps spread the cost across the year.
If you're finding it difficult to afford the cost of heating oil or LPG, you may be able to get help with heating oil and LPG costs.
Smart meters are gradually being installed in all households in the UK. These give you very detailed information about the energy you're using and the costs and can automatically send this information to your gas and electricity suppliers. Ofgem has more information about whether a smart meter might work for you as well as links to other useful websites such as Citizens Advice information on getting a smart meter installed.
Energy efficiency
You can get advice from the government about how to improve your energy efficiency.
We've also put together some advice on how you can reduce the amount of energy you use and save some money.
Severn Trent offer hints and tips on how to save water in your home.
Energy efficiency schemes
Support through the government's Ecoflex4 scheme ends on 31 December 2026, and most funding has already been allocated.
There may still be support available for homes with very low energy efficiencies (EPC F and G). Contact one of the agencies listed on this page for advice.
Keeping your home warm
Staying healthy, warm and well in winter is important. Joined Up Care Derbyshire have put together a comprehensive guide containing all you need to know to keep yourself warm and well. There's a wide range of information on council, health, voluntary and community services across Derbyshire.
Derbyshire and Derby residents looking for impartial advice and practical tips on how to stay warm at home and cut their energy usage can call the 'Warmer Derby and Derbyshire' service free of charge telephone: 0800 677 1332.
Priority services register
The priority services register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. The scheme is offered by your energy supplier. If you're eligible and find it hard to deal with your energy supply, you could get extra help from your energy company.
Water bills
Water companies offer support and discounts for people who are finding it hard to pay their bills, or are high uses of water.
The WaterSure schemes support households who use more water than average, due to having a large family, or someone in the home having a disability that means they use more water. To be eligible, you also have to receive means tested benefits, or disability benefits and be on a low income. You can find out more about WaterSure from your water supplier:
Your water company may also provide support if you're finding it difficult to pay your bills.