Energy bills - Cost of living
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, the first step is to contact your provider to see what options they have to support you.
Your energy tariff
Check to see whether you could reduce your energy bills by switching to a different energy tariff or supplier.
Many fixed tariffs, which offer you a set price for gas and electricity for an agreed period, are now cheaper than OFGEM’s energy price cap. The price cap is the maximum amount that energy companies can charge for their standard variable tariffs.
This means that energy suppliers are competing for new customers and you may be able to get a better deal than the one you are currently on.
Check the OFGEM website for advice on energy switching or contact the Energy Team at Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice on 0800 145 6879 for help.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you’ve reached State Pension age and receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. This is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during this winter.
You could receive between £100 and £300 if you or your partner receive one of these benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. If you are, you’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much you’ll receive. Payments usually arrive in November or December.
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take back your Winter Fuel Payment. You can check if your income is over the limit and find out how HMRC will reclaim the payment.
If you don’t get a letter by early December and think you’re eligible, you can still apply. You must apply by 31 March 2026. Visit GOV.UK to find out how to make a claim.
West Sussex libraries offer free computer and Wi-Fi access. You can also book a free one-to-one session with a digital volunteer. Contact your local library or email library.digital.support@westsussex.gov.uk to learn more.
If you're struggling financially, the county council’s Community Hub can help. You can get advice, support and information by visiting the Community Hub page or phoning 033 022 27980.
Energy bill discounts
The Government has also announced the reopening of the Warm Home Discount scheme which will provide a discount of £150 off electricity bills for 3 million low-income households this winter. Most households will receive the discount automatically.
Further information is available on GOV.UK, which includes an online tool to check what discounts you may be eligible for.
West Sussex Affordable Energy
The West Sussex Affordable Energy website has details of home energy advisors, heating and insulation grants and other support available in your local area.
Warmer Homes programme
Funding is available to help residents in West Sussex make their homes more energy efficient and to reduce their bills. Subject to eligibility, the Government funded Warmer Homes programme could pay for energy efficiency measures such as insulation, solar panels and air source heat pumps.
Being more energy efficient
You can help reduce your energy bills by following our top tips for being more energy efficient.