This guide includes information on energy efficiency and where to get advice on saving energy at home.

We always want to make sure everyone knows how to get financial support, when it comes to paying for energy. That’s why we’ve also put together details on what’s available – from us here at Boost, as well as other places too.

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency means using less energy to do the same thing – whether that’s switching on a light or using a washing machine. It’s all about saving energy.

An example of an energy-efficient device is an LED lightbulb. A traditional 60W incandescent bulb loses most of its energy in heat, rather than light – around 90%. Modern, energy-saving LED light bulbs use far less energy to create the same amount of light – with 90% of the energy being used for light.

The Energy Saving Trust also has lots of recommendations on how to use energy efficiently.

Here are a few things that can help with energy efficiency, just to get started:

• Bleeding radiators helps to keep your central heating working efficiently – it makes sure that you’re getting the most heat possible out of your radiators.
• Making sure your boiler is at the right pressure helps keep it working at its best. The ideal boiler pressure is usually between 1 and 2 bar (this varies from boiler to boiler, so also check your boiler manual for the correct information). Give yours a check, and if the pressure isn’t what it should be, read the instruction manual to learn how to change it.
• Getting a smart meter can help you track the energy you’re using, to see if there are other ways you might be able to save.

Payment schemes that can also help

These schemes are available and they offer financial support, to help pay for your energy.

Fuel Direct Scheme 

The Fuel Direct scheme helps to pay your energy bills directly from your benefits (the scheme is run by the Department for Work and Pensions). If you receive any of the following benefits, this might be helpful for you:

• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit (but only if you’re not working)

For more information, contact Jobcentre Plus (or your pension centre if you’re on Pension Credit).

You’ll need to tell them:

• That we’re your energy supplier
• The amount of money that’s owed
• Your Boost account number
• Your National Insurance number

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You might be eligible for £150 credit towards your energy bills through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Unfortunately, applications have closed for this winter. They’ll reopen later in the year for winter 2023/24. Find out more about the Warm Home Discount here.

Cold Weather Payment

A Cold Weather Payment might be available to you, if you’re getting certain benefits. These payments are made if the temperature in your area is forecasted or recorded to be 0C or below for over 7 days in a row. If that’s the case, you could be eligible for £25 credit for each 7-day period (between 1 November and 31 March).

You might be eligible for Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

Find out more and see if you’re eligible here.

Winter Fuel Payment 

This is available to people who were born on or before 26 September 1955. It’s an annual one-off payment between £100 and £300, to help pay for your heating over the winter.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment here.

Charities and organisations that offer advice and support

For free, independent advice on debt, energy bills, and other areas where you might need support, these organisations and charities can also help:

Citizens Advice

If you live in England or Wales, go to citizensadvice.org.uk/energy or call 0808 223 1133, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Relay UK: 18001 followed by 0808 223 1133. Calls are free.

If you live in Scotland, go to energyadvice.scot or contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Relay UK: 18001 followed by 0808 196 8660. Calls are free.

National Debtline

Call 0808 808 4000 or visit their website.

Step Change Debt Charity

Call 0800 138 1111 or visit their website.

Civil Legal Advice

Call 0845 345 4 345 for free, confidential legal advice in England and Wales, if you’re eligible for legal aid. Find out if you are here.

Have you heard about the Priority Services Register?

You can sign up if you or anyone in your household might need practical support, when it comes to managing your energy. That could be because of a medical reason, you’re pregnant, you have children under 5, you’re over 65, or you don’t read or speak English well.

Find out more about it here.