If you do and the cost of living or energy debt is too high, then there may be some help available.

Warm Homes Healthy People has funding to support households across Suffolk with prepay energy meters.

Their aim is to maximise household income, decrease energy costs, and improve health and wellbeing.

Help on offer includes emergency access to fuel payments, support to switch away from prepayment, draught proofing measures, debt advice, increase energy awareness and much more.

If you would like a little help and some of the points listed above sounds like something you are experiencing, please call the Warm Homes Healthy People service on 07769365796 or email prepay@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

As energy prices continue to rise, many people will need extra support this winter. A number of organisations have produced some useful guides to domestic energy consumers. They were intended for front line advisors but includes some great advice to signpost people to where they can get the right help.

These documents have been produced by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Citizens Advice, Energy UK and Ofgem, the energy regulator.

Visit the OFGEM website here to find out more.

Get energy-saving advice from Warm Homes Suffolk to help manage your costs and keep your home warm.

If your total household income is under £30,000 annually, you may also be eligible for a grant to help make your home more energy efficient.

Visit the Warm Homes Suffolk webpage here for more information.

The government has an initiative available to upgrade your boiler to a low carbon system which will save you money and be friendlier to the environment. If you are looking to upgrade to a low carbon heating system, you may be eligible for a grant of up to £6,000 through the boiler upgrade scheme.

Keep in mind, your boiler should be serviced at least once a year to ensure that it is running safely and efficiently. Failing to do so can lead to faults, higher energy bills and your warranty ending early. So if an upgrade isn't possible, make sure your boiler is serviced.

If you would like to find out more, visit the Gov.uk website here.

The smallest things can end up making the biggest difference. Just by turning your winter time thermostat down 1°C, it can make a big difference to your bills and also help the environment.

For more money saving advice and ways to avoid wasting energy, visit the OFGEM website and read their helpful article here.

Contacting your energy company is the first step if you find yourself in debt with energy bills. 

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, you may worry that your energy supply will be cut off. This is always a last resort for your energy company so it is vital to talk to them straight away and try to work out a solution.

If you would like to find out more, please visit the Turn2Us website here.

From 1 October 2022, the Energy Price Guarantee will reduce the unit cost of electricity and gas for UK households. Beware of scams – there is no need to apply and you will never be asked for bank details.

This is in addition to the £400 energy bills discount for all households.

To find out more, visit the Gov.uk website here.

Citizens Advice Ipswich has provided a page to help people during the Cost of Living Crisis. If you or someone you know is not able to afford fuel costs this winter, then you may apply for a payment. 

Please visit the Citizens Advice page here and find out if you can apply.

Warmandwell.co.uk have put together some extremely helpful tips to save money and energy.

Severn Wye’s expert energy savers created their list which shows some really helpful ways to help with costs at home. These can be implemented with little to no cost to yourself and can easily make a big difference when your energy bill is due.

If you would like to find out more and go through their list, visit their website here.