Energy saving and energy efficiency

If you're finding it hard to pay your bills or need some advice, Anglian Waters specially-trained Extra Care Support Team are here to help you find a way forward. 

You can find more information :

support-guide-extra-care.pdf (anglianwater.co.uk) 

Anglian Water - We're here if you need help

On 9 January 2023, the government announced a new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector, ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The scheme will mean that all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024.

A higher level of support will be provided to businesses in sectors identified as being the most energy and trade intensive - predominately manufacturing industries.

The Chancellor, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, wrote to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) yesterday (9 January) asking for an update in time for the Spring Budget on the progress of their review into the non-domestic market. He has asked for their assessment of whether further action is needed to secure a well-functioning market for non-domestic customers following reports of challenges certain customers are facing, including in relation to the pricing and availability of tariffs, standing charges and renewal terms, and the ability of certain sectors to secure contracts.

Announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-unveils-new-energy-bills-discount-scheme-for-businesses

Factsheet:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b7FEXiILaj4oG5pGOw4QqeFvFwIb3o18/view?usp=share_link

Correspondence:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1128068/CX_Letter_to_Jonathan_Brearley_0901.pdf

Advice on how to save money on energy bills and access to help to pay energy bills: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

AgeUK: Warm & Wise

The Warm and Wise project offers free impartial and confidential energy advice to anybody aged 50 or over living in Lincoln and South Lincolnshire: Warm & Wise (ageuk.org.uk)

Landlords will have to pass on a £400 energy rebate to their tenants who are paying rent with their bills included, the government has revealed.

The Government announcement on the energy bill rebate for all-inclusive tenants, states:

Your landlord may charge an 'all inclusive' rent, where a fixed cost for energy usage is included in your rental charges, in which case:

• they are encouraged to come to an agreement with you on the discount in line with the arrangement in your tenancy agreement
• the landlord's fixed charge may already provide you with similar protection from the impact of the energy price increase
• Landlords will also be required to share clear information with their tenants confirming how they've provided them with the support.

More information can be found here: Government introduces new Energy Prices Bill to ensure vital support gets to British consumers this winter - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Electricity suppliers are delivering the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBSS) to households automatically until 31 March 2023. Consumers do not need to apply for the discount and do not need to register or share any details with anyone. 

The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy has produced factsheets for consumers on a traditional prepayment meter to help them receive the government discount vouchers to pay their energy bills. 

The government is urging consumers to stay alert of potential scams and report these to the relevant authorities where they are suspected. 

If individuals receive a message that asks for their bank details or to click on a link, it is very important that they report it promptly. Individuals are encouraged to send a screen shot of the message to report@phishing.gov.uk and energy.bills.rebate@beis.gov.uk

Guidance can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-the-energy-bills-support-scheme-discount

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pass-through-requirements-for-energy-price-support-provided-to-intermediaries/guidance-on-the-pass-through-requirements-for-energy-price-support-in-great-britain-provided-to-intermediaries

Notice:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-support-scheme-ministerial-direction

Report internet scams and phishing:
https://www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-emails-websites-phishing

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/beisgovuk/status/1573966039003631618

• Alternative energy support fund £400: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vital-help-with-energy-bills-on-the-way-for-millions-more-homes-across-great-britain-and-northern-ireland

• Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme Funding: Vital help with energy bills on the way for millions more homes across Great Britain and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme (AD AFP): Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Help for Households campaign - social tariffs

The government has worked with a range of Internet Service Providers (IPSs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deliver low-cost broadband and phone service packages, called social tariffs, for those on low incomes. 

Social tariffs are available for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, with some providers offering deals from £15 a month. 

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is encouraging councils to raise awareness of these products and has produced a stakeholder toolkit which includes social media materials, posters and leaflets to help councils share this information across their communications channels. 

The Help for Households campaign homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. There are also online tools for the public to check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it. 

Social tariffs toolkit:
https://beis.frontify.com/d/XnaTkXURf8Ck/government-support-for-household-energy-bills#/social-tariffs/introduction

Campaign:
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk /

More information:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariff

Cold weather payments are payable if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

You'll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2022 to 31 March 2023. Check if you can get a payment in your area.