As the cold weather creeps in the energy prices continue to rise, many households are feeling the pressure. With the average energy bill increasing by 693, its no surprise that families across the UK are searching for ways to stay warm without falling into financial hardship.

Thankfully, the government has introduced several measures to help ease the burden—and there are tools and tips available to help you take control of your energy usage.

Government Support: What’s Available?

£200 Energy Bills Rebate

• From October, domestic customers in England, Wales, and Scotland will receive a £200 discount on electricity bills.
• This is not a grant—it will be repaid in £40 instalments over five years, starting in 2023.
• Around 28 million households will benefit from this upfront support.

£150 Council Tax Rebate

• Starting April, households in Council Tax bands A–D will receive a £150 rebate.
• This is a one-off payment made directly by local councils.
• No repayment required.

You can check your Council Tax band using the Check your Council Tax band - GOV.UK

Additional Discretionary Fund

A new fund is available to support:

• Those in bands A–D who don’t pay Council Tax
• Households in bands E–H who are on low incomes
• Vulnerable individuals in high Council Tax areas

This fund is designed to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

Winter Warmth Schemes

️ Warm Home Discount Scheme

Get £140 off your electricity bill between October and March. Some suppliers may apply this to gas bills too.

Pension Credit Benefits

If eligible, you may also receive:

• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction
• Free TV licence (75+)
• Help with NHS costs

Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK

Cold Weather Payment

Receive £25 for each 7-day period of freezing weather (Nov–Mar).

Cold Weather Payment: Eligibility - GOV.UK

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment designed to help older people with heating costs during the colder months.

• Amount: Between £100 and £300, depending on age and household circumstances.
• Eligibility: You must have been born on or before 22 September 1959 and usually live in the UK during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025).
• Automatic Payment: Most eligible people receive it automatically in November or December.
• Income Threshold: If your taxable income exceeds £35,000, HMRC may recover the payment through the tax system.
• Opt-Out Option: You can opt out if you don’t wish to receive it, but the deadline for 2025/26 has passed.

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

⚙️ GoCompare Energy Cost Calculator

Want to know how much it costs to run your appliances? GoCompare has developed a brilliant tool  https://www.gocompare.com/gas-and-electricity/guide/energy-calculator/ that  lets you:

Energy-Saving Tips That Actually Work

Here are some quick wins to cut back on energy usage:

• Turn appliances off standby: Save up to £55/year
• Lower your thermostat by 1°C: Cut heating costs by up to 10%
• Use LED bulbs: They last longer and use less power
• Install draft excluders: Keep the heat in and the cold out
• Wash clothes at 30°C: Reduces energy use without sacrificing cleanliness

For a deeper dive, check out  Gocompare energy saving tips:

The GoCompare Energy Cost Calculator is a smart, interactive tool designed to help you understand how much it costs to run everyday household appliances. It’s especially useful during times of rising energy prices, giving you the power to make informed decisions about your energy usage.

What You Can Do With It

• Compare Appliances: Choose from a wide range of household items—like kettles, tumble dryers, electric blankets, ovens, and more.
• Set Usage Duration: Use sliders to select how long you use each appliance (e.g. 30 minutes vs. 6 hours).
• See Estimated Costs: Instantly view the estimated daily cost of running each appliance based on average UK energy rates.

⚡ Why It’s Useful

• Helps you identify which appliances are energy-hungry
• Lets you prioritise usage based on cost
• Supports smarter budgeting during the energy crisis
• Encourages energy-saving habits by showing the impact of small changes

The calculator uses average unit rates—£0.2703 per kWh for electricity and £0.06987 for gas—and appliance wattages sourced from the Centre for Sustainable Energy.

You can try it out directly on https://www.gocompare.com/gas-and-electricity/guide/energy-calculator/

Final Thoughts: Stay Warm, Stay Informed

The energy crisis is real, but so is the support. From rebates and discounts to smart tools and practical advice, there are ways to manage your bills and protect your household this winter.

Remember: Debt today doesn’t have to mean despair tomorrow. With the right resources and a little planning, you can stay warm, stay informed, and stay financially secure.