Energy advice
People who are on lower incomes and particularly vulnerable to the cold, for example because of a health condition, may be eligible for help to improve heating and insulation in their homes. You can contact your district council to see if you are eligible and what help they have available.
Preston Citizens Advice - fuel related advice and help
Preston Citizens Advice have a project funded by British Gas to provide fuel related advice and support. They cover the whole of Lancashire, and can help with the following:
- Advice on how to deal with fuel debt.
- Energy saving tips and information on making your home more energy efficient.
- Budgeting support and exploration of options to obtain additional funding such as the Warm Home Discount.
- Help switching suppliers where there is a possibility of better tariffs.
- Entering a Priority Register for vulnerable customers – e.g. those on low incomes, elderly customers, single parents, and those living with disabilities.
- Information on Smart Meters.
- Information and advice about carbon monoxide.
The team can help people negotiate fuel debt repayment, apply for grants to reduce or clear the arrears, or help to resolve disputes with energy suppliers. If you live in Lancashire and need help with any of these issues, you can contact the team by email at energysupport@prestoncitizensadvice.org.uk
Take Charge - energy advice
Take Charge provides free and impartial energy advice to all households in Lancashire.
Take Charge can help you:
- reduce your energy bills, get support with debt, access benefits and financial support
- secure funding for energy efficient home improvements
- join the Extra Care register - for extra support during a power cut for those who need it, through Electricity North West
You can contact the Take Charge advisors on freephone 0808 169 9924, chat via WhatsApp or request a free appointment via the Take Charge website.
Take Charge is funded by Electricity North West and delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice in the North West and Energy Saving Trust.
You can find out more about Electricity North West’s Extra Care Register on their website.
Grants to help pay off your energy debts
If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off. A number of energy suppliers offer grants to their own customers. British Gas also has grants which are available to anyone with energy debt between £250 and £750 and you don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply.
You can find more information about grants to help pay off your energy debts on the Citizens Advice website.
Energy saving
If your boiler is broken, you have no heating or need help with home energy efficiency measures such as insulation visit the Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) website for more information or call 03306 061 488. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for free or discounted measures.
The government's find ways to save energy in your home website has information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient. You can also call the Find Ways to Save Energy in Your Home Service on 0800 098 7950.
These energy saving tips from British Gas can help you to reduce how much energy you use, and save you money.
The Priority Services Register
Check if you're eligible to register on your energy company's Priority Services Register, a free support service for people in vulnerable situations. For more information visit the Ofgem website.