Social energy tariffs - what you need to know

Did you know that if your energy bills add up to more than 10% of your household income, you are in fuel poverty? It might sound like a strong term, but fuel poverty is a real problem in the UK.

If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, then don't panic, there is help available. Energy suppliers in the UK have special price plans, known as social energy tariffs, to help vulnerable people, and there are also government schemes and charities that can help. Read on to find out more about social energy tariffs and other ideas to help with your energy bills.

All energy suppliers offer some kind of social energy tariff, which gives discounted energy bills to customers in need. Rules from the energy regulator Ofgem state that social energy tariffs must at least match the cheapest deals on offer from providers, including their online deals.

The eligibility criteria for social energy tariffs differs, but they tend to be available to the elderly, people living in fuel poverty or people on benefits or a very low income. Some examples of specific social energy tariffs include British Gas' Essentials Combined and Energy Trust plans, EDF's Energy Assist and Energy Trust plans, E.ON's WarmAssist plan, npower's Spreading Warmth Tariff and First Step Scheme, Scottish Power's Fresh Start, Scottish and Southern Energy's (also known as Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro or SWALEC) Energyplus Care and Winter Care Rebate plans.

Energy suppliers also offer energy efficiency advice, alongside debt and income tips to help customers manage their energy usage and bills. Call your supplier directly to find out what they can do for you.

Energy efficient grant schemes are available through the government for vulnerable customers in England, Wales and Scotland. Grants can be provided to cover a range of energy efficiency improvement measures, such as installing insulation and draught-proofing.

Replacing an old and inefficient boiler can save as much as £235 a year in energy bills. Get in touch with the Energy Saving Trust to find out more about grants.

If you are aged 60 or over, you may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of between £125 and £400, to help you meet the costs of keeping warm in the winter. You can find out if you qualify and get a claims form from the DirectGov website.

Energy suppliers fund a not-for-profit helpline called the 'Home Heat Helpline', which offers advice and assistance on payment schemes, social energy tariffs, grants for home improvements, and benefits you may be entitled to.

You can call free on 0800 33 66 99 and lines are open 9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays.

You could also try Consumer Focus' Help Finder tool - it identifies what grants, discounts, free energy help and assistance you might be able to get access to in your personal circumstances.

You could make huge savings on your energy bills simply by comparing and switching online. It only takes a few minutes, and switching energy plans online could save you up to £420 instantly.

Compare energy prices online now