Advice on fuel poverty

Help with rising energy bills

If you are worried about high energy bills or struggling to keep up with payments, you are not alone. Many households are finding energy costs hard to manage. We are here to help you understand what support is available, what you can do right now, and where to get free, trusted advice in South Lanarkshire. This page explains the help you can get, how to cut your energy use at home, and who to contact for support.

Why energy bills are so high

Energy bills rose sharply after large increases in gas prices across the world. More demand for energy, supply problems in Europe, and global events all pushed prices up. Although prices have fallen since their highest point, the average household still pays much more than a few years ago. This has affected almost everyone, especially people on low or fixed incomes.

What this means for households

Some energy suppliers were unable to cope with these higher costs and stopped trading. To protect households, the UK Government sets an energy price cap, which limits how much suppliers can charge for each unit of energy. The cap rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, then reduced in 2023, but bills remain much higher than before.

Financial help you may be able to get

You may qualify for extra financial support depending on your situation. Support introduced by the UK Government includes:

• Cost of living payments for people who receive certain income-related benefits
• A one-off payment for people who receive disability benefits
• Extra payments for pensioners who get the winter fuel payment
• Council tax discounts for eligible households

The rules can be confusing. If you are not sure what you qualify for, we can help you check and apply.

What to do about your energy supplier

Normally, switching supplier can save money. Right now, deals are limited, so switching may not reduce your bill. Most people should stay with their current supplier unless they are told otherwise.

If your supplier stops trading, you do not need to do anything. Another supplier will contact you and your energy supply will continue as normal.

Simple ways to reduce your energy use

Small changes at home can help lower your bills:

• Set your main heating to around 21°C in living areas and lower it in unused rooms
• Close curtains as it gets dark and keep them tucked behind radiators
• Turn lights and appliances off at the wall when not in use
• Use energy-saving or LED light bulbs
• Only use the washing machine with a full load and choose shorter cycles
• Turn off the oven a few minutes early and let food finish cooking with the remaining heat
• Use the right size saucepan and keep lids on while cooking
• Take shorter showers and boil only the water you need

Get money and energy advice

We offer free, confidential help with money, debt, and energy costs. You can speak to someone about benefits, budgeting, fuel debt, and ways to keep your home warm for less. Contact our Money Matters Advice Service.

You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureaux in Clydesdale, Hamilton, East Kilbride, or Rutherglen and Cambuslang for independent advice.

Help to improve your home

If you want to make your home warmer and cheaper to run, free advice is available:

• Loco Home Retrofit offers local, independent advice on insulation, solar panels, and heating upgrades, with support from start to finish.
• Home Energy Scotland provides free energy advice by phone or online.
• Our Energy and Retrofit Support Service, delivered with Changeworks, offers trusted advice through the Green Energy Helpline and local community events.

These services can help you understand your options and find support to make changes that suit your home and budget.