Bills are rising across energy supplies but there is help for some people using alternative fuels
As the cost of living starts to spiral once again as a result of the conflict in the Middle East many people are beginning to find their purse strings are being stretched. While many of the big energy firms have systems in place to help those who are struggling, those using alternative fuels might not be aware that there is also assistance available.
Citizens Advice has taken to social media to urge people to look into aid available if they cannot afford their bills. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, it said: “If you use alternative fuels such as oil, coal or wood to keep your home warm – you might be able to get extra help if you can’t afford to buy fuel.”
It goes further on its website: “You probably use these fuels if you don’t use mains gas or electricity to heat your home. There are also ways you can save money when you buy fuel.
It adds: ” If you can’t afford to buy fuel y ou might be able to get help if you:
- use oil, LPG, coal or wood as your main source of heating
- aren’t connected to mains gas
“If your home doesn’t have a gas meter, you’re probably not connected to mains gas. You’ll need to show that you can’t heat your home because you can’t afford to buy fuel – or you might not be able to afford it soon.
“Your local Citizens Advice will need to apply for help for you. If you think you’re eligible, talk to an adviser.”
Check your local authority
Citizens Advice says you should check with your local council to see if they offer local grants or schemes for people who use oil, LPG, coal or wood. Find your local council on GOV.UK.
How to save money on different fuels
Oil
Citizens advice says you should get at least three quotes from different suppliers so you can compare prices and choose the best option. It adds: “You should get quotes from suppliers who are members of the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA). Member suppliers have to act professionally and treat you fairly. If they don’t, you can complain.”
It adds: “It’s best to order when the oil prices are cheaper – usually in the summer and early autumn. It’s usually also cheaper to get oil delivered in a few weeks’ time instead of an urgent delivery.
“Before you order, also check for extra fees or service charges. You could put some money aside each month in a savings account to help you spread the cost over a year.”
It advised people ensure there is enough oil in the tank to cover until delivery saying this should be at least quarter of a tank. It adds: “If the oil level gets too low, the system could get damaged and need expensive repairs.
“It might be cheaper to order a larger amount of oil, instead of several smaller orders. Check your tank to make sure you’ve got enough space for a larger amount of oil.”
Oil clubs
Some areas have an “oil club” where a group of people in the same area buy heating oil at the same time. Search for an oil club online, on social media or on community notice boards. You can also check with your local council.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
According to Citizens Advice if you have a storage tank, most people will be tied into a two-year contract. It advised: “Ask your supplier when your contract ends. You might be able to find a better deal with another supplier.
“Most suppliers will let you keep your old tank. If they want to fit their own tank, they must pay for this – you can’t be charged for the removal of the old tank.”
Coal or wood
“It’s usually cheaper to buy your coal and wood in bulk,” said the advice charity. “You might be able to find a better deal with another supplier – make sure you look around for deals regularly.
“You might also want to look into using different types of coal or wood. Some might be more energy efficient than others, which could save you money.”
Grants
There may be grants available to help with energy saving costs. Citizens Advice said: “You might be able to get help with the cost of things like insulation, a new boiler or improvements to your heating.”
Cost of living
“If you don’t have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food,” it advised. Help available includes the Household Support Fund or other benefits such as PIP and Universal Credit.
It also said if your home is energy efficient, it will cost less to heat and will stay warm longer. It added: “It’s a good idea to look into making your home more energy efficient at any time of the year. This is because it can take a few months to sort things out – for example, to find someone who can do the work.”
You might be able to apply for help with the cost of:
- a new boiler
- boiler repairs
- loft or cavity wall insulation
- a heat pump
Check if you can get help with the cost of energy efficiency.
