Assistance and support

If you have a mains gas boiler and have an EPC rating of D or below, you may be able to get funding for energy efficient home improvements through the Governments Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO4). Visit the Ofgem website for more information and to find participating suppliers.

The Connected For Warmth Scheme also offers energy efficient improvements, such as loft and cavity wall insulation, to homes within a council tax band A-D.

The British Gas Energy Trust can offer support, including assistance in paying overdue energy bills and providing funding and debt advice.

If you’re a Scottish Power customer, you may qualify for their Hardship Fund which offers energy grants to reduce or even clear arrears to households with overdue gas or electricity bills or debts.

E.ON customers can get financial assistance in a number of different areas, including energy bill arrears, replacement household items such as white goods and replacing gas boilers.

OVO have a debt support fund to help vulnerable customers who have fallen behind in paying their bills.

Anglian Water provides extra care and support to vulnerable customers through their priority service register and also through offering payment plans, assistance schemes and discounted tariffs.

Ofcom compares tariffs for broadband and phone deals to eligible households that are struggling to afford these services.

All large energy suppliers must deliver energy efficiency measures to households, such as discounted insulation and discounted boiler replacement scheme. To qualify you or someone living in the property will be in receipt of certain benefits and own or privately rent your property. For more information visit the Simple Energy Advice website.

Not sure what benefits you can get? Check what support you’re entitled to using this online calculator.

The Norfolk Assistance Scheme provides emergency financial help and essential household goods and furniture to those who struggle to pay their living costs.

Find foodbanks in your area through the Trussell Trust.

Friends of the Elderly provides small grants (normally up to £400) to older people on low incomes.

Use oil for heating? Check your local parish council website to see if there’s an oil-buying club near you to benefit from bulk-buying rates, or visit Community Action Norfolk and register for their scheme for free.

Renewable technology is becoming more and more popular, and the Smart Export Guarantee means you can get paid for electricity you feed back into the grid.

You may also benefit from the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme which offers money off low-carbon heating technologies.

Of course, reducing the amount of energy you use is the best way to cut your bills and the the Energy Saving Trust website has dozens of helpful tips how you can do this.