Rising energy prices continue to be a major problem for UK residents and are the source of a lot of stress. Many people feel at a loss as their bills consume a disproportionately large proportion of their income, leaving them with little to spend at the end of the month.
Thankfully, several government-backed solutions can help, and in this article, you’ll learn how they might be of benefit to you.
1. The ECO4 Scheme
ECO4 specifically targets those on low incomes to help them improve their home’s energy efficiency. Households can receive funding for a range of upgrades, including loft and cavity wall insulation and electric storage heaters.
Like with most schemes, there are certain eligibility criteria that you’ll need to meet to apply for this energy-saving grant, such as receiving universal credit benefits or living in a building with a poor efficiency rating.
2. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The boiler upgrade scheme is exactly what it sounds like – a grant to enable households to upgrade their boiler to one that’s more energy efficient if they can’t afford to do so on their own.
The BUS focuses on replacing existing fossil fuel-based systems with more sustainable heating methods like heat pumps and biomass boilers, which can make a substantial difference to your bills overall.
The basic eligibility criteria are that you own your home and currently have a fossil-fuel heating appliance or electric system without a pump, but there are other smaller elements that’ll be taken into account, too.
3. The Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme targets the systemic problem of improperly insulated homes leading to significant energy wastage. The scheme surveys homes all over the country to upgrade those that are poorly insulated, which could involve loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and other types.
Again, this scheme targets lower-income households and those with a low-efficiency rating, so if you fall under this bracket, you may qualify. Even if you don’t qualify for free insulation, you may still be eligible for a subsidised option.
4. The Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme exists to offer discounts for winter energy bills (which usually resemble the most expensive energy bills of the year).
Eligible households can receive a one-off payment of up to £150 to go towards their electricity bill: the applications open in October every year and are distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. You can check with your current energy provider by phone or email to see if you qualify, or go through the application process yourself via the relevant government page.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’re now clearer on what programmes are available to help you manage the costs associated with your energy bills.
Of course, grants and discounts are just one component of reducing your bills; there are many other ways to bring them down further, and little tweaks can make a big difference.
Check out this great page from Money Saving Experts to learn some extra tips and tricks.
