Help to Heat

You could be eligible for government grants and incentives that help towards the cost of upgrading your heating and insulation.

Help to heat schemes

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

The Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO) is a government initiative to decrease carbon emissions and fuel poverty. Through ECO, large energy suppliers have set obligations set by Ofgem. These energy suppliers partner with installers to increase energy efficient measures in homes. ECO covers energy efficient measures such as loft and wall insulation and heating systems. ECO3, the newest form of ECO, will take effect 1 October 2018 and is focused solely on low income and vulnerable households through the Affordable Warmth Scheme. 

RHI

The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (Domestic RHI) is a government financial incentive to promote the use of renewable heat. Switching to heating systems that use renewable energy technologies can help the UK reduce its carbon emissions and meet its renewable energy targets.

People who join the scheme and stick to its rules receive quarterly payments for seven years for the amount of clean, green renewable heat it is calculated their system produces. Read More

Winter Fuel Payment

The winter fuel payment is for the elderly to help with their fuel payments in the winter. If you were born on or before 5 November 1953 you are eligible and could be receiving between £100 and £300 towards your heating bills. If you are eligible and receiving Social Pension or another social security benefit, most of the payments are made automatically between November and December.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount Scheme can provide a discount of up to £140. The amount is not paid to you but is a one-off discount off of your electricity bill – or potentially your gas bill if your supplier provides you with both. You can be eligible one of two ways:

• If you are on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• If you are low income, your supplier is part of the scheme, and you receive certain means-tested benefits

Cold Weather Payment

You can receive the Cold Weather Payment if you are receiving certain benefits. The Cold Weather Payment comes into effect if the area in which you live has a recorded or forecasted average temperature of 0⁰C or below for seven consecutive days. For every seven-day period, you could receive £25 payment between 1 November and 31 March. Read More