Energy

A cold home can really affect your health and wellbeing.

Buildings are often cold due to ineffective heating, poor insulation, low income and the rising cost of energy. However, there are things you can do to help keep your home warmer. 

Reduce your bills

Consider switching your energy supplier. One way to do this is to take part in the Cambridgeshire Energy Switch.

If you buy domestic heating oil, you could join the bulk-buying Cambridgeshire Community Oil Buying Scheme.

Adding loft, cavity and external wall insulation will also trap heat inside longer.

Get extra support

If you're on a low income and are struggling to pay your bills, there is help out there.

• Turn2Us and Making Money Count can direct you towards sources of financial and other support
• If you have no funds to buy oil or top up a pre-payment meter in the winter and have people living in your home who are particularly vulnerable to the cold (e.g children, an older person or someone with a long term illness), please contact us. On your behalf, we will apply to the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Stay Well Fund for an emergency fuel payment
• Contact Charis grants. They may be able to help customers in debt with energy companies
• In very cold weather, you may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment and/or a Cold Weather Payment

People who are elderly, living with a long term health condition or disability can ask their energy supplier to add them to their Priority Service Register. This offers many benefits, including special help if energy supplies are interrupted. 

Save energy

If you live in Fenland, PECT offer a free energy advice service. This can help you to reduce your energy bill and carbon footprint. Given the current Coronavirus distancing restrictions, the service will resume in Autumn 2020.   

If you're in a low income private household, your installer can apply for funding to support home energy improvements from the Eco Flexible Eligibility Scheme.

The Energy Saving Trust also offers advice on generating your own energy.

Solar energy

Solar Together have launched a new group buying scheme that brings households together to get competitive prices on solar panels. If you already have solar panels, the scheme can offer you battery storage to maximise the benefits of your system. Find out more information.