Helping you stay warm and well
With rising energy costs, we know that some residents may be finding it hard to keep on top of their bills. We want you to know that support is available to help keep you warm and well.
Energy Price Guarantee
The Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will be extended at the same level until the end of June 2023.
This means that a typical UK household will pay an average of £2,500 per year for their energy bills during this period.
The Guarantee is not a cap on your total annual bill, but a limit on the amount you can be charged by your supplier for each unit of energy you use. So, you will pay more or less than the average if you use more or less power.
Find out more about the Energy Price Guarantee on GOV.UK (external link).
Support services
SHINE London
We have partnered with SHINE London to provide a one-stop referral service for residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills. They can assess residents for a range of services to improve health, finances, and energy efficiency.
- Phone: 0300 555 0195
- Email: contact@shine-london.org.uk
General advice
If you have a query that is not answered below, or just want more information about any of the services available please contact our Affordable Warmth Team.
- Phone: 020 8489 3489
- Email: affordable.warmth@haringey.gov.uk
Haringey Citizens Advice Bureau
Haringey Citizens Advice Bureau can offer advice on benefits, heating, grants and debt. They will conduct a gateway assessment on the phone and may offer a pre-booked appointment.
- Phone: 0808 278 7966 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Website: Citizens Advice Haringey (external link)
Financial help
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before 26 September 1955, you should receive a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 depending on your circumstances. These payments are usually paid automatically with your State Pension or other benefits during November and December but if you don't receive them you can apply.
- Phone: 0345 915 1515
- Textphone: 0345 606 0285
- Website: Winter Fuel Payment – GOV.UK (external link)
Warm Home Discount
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.
You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.
If you might be eligible, you’ll get a letter by early January 2024.
If you do not get a letter and you think you’re eligible, you must contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme before 29 February 2024.
Warm Home Discount Scheme helpline: telephone 0800 030 9322 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Cold Weather Payment
Residents receiving certain benefits could get a £25 payment to cover extra heating costs if the temperature drops below freezing 7 days in a row.
After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days into the same bank account as your benefit payments.
For more information, please visit the Cold Weather Payment page on the GOV.UK website (external link)
Mayor of London – Warmer Homes programme
The Mayor of London’s Warmer Homes programme provides free heating, insulation and ventilation improvements if you own their own homes or rent privately.
If you live in the coldest and least efficient properties, you may be eligible for up to £25,000 of grant funding to cover the installation of efficiency measures, such as low-carbon heating systems, insulation, and heat pumps.
You may be eligible if:
- you have a combined total annual household income of less than £30,000 per year OR a total household income of less than £20,000 per year after tax, National Insurance, mortgage or rent costs and council tax.
- you receive benefits
- you own or rent your home
- your property has a low energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of band D, E, F or G. If your property has never had an EPC survey, then this can be done through the scheme
The amount of funding available is dependent on the tenure, existing energy efficiency rating and current fuel type, of your home. Fuel types may be gas, electricity, oil, or LPG
Private landlords may apply for a grant on behalf of tenants who meet the eligibility criteria. Landlords with properties heated by electricity may be eligible for funding up to £13,333 to cover two-thirds of energy efficiency work. This means you can get up to £20,000 worth of measures installed for a maximum contribution of £6,667. Private rental properties heated with gas from the grid are eligible for funding of up to £5,000.
There are several options available if you qualify for the programme including:
- heat pumps
- insulation for walls, lofts, and floors
- heating system improvements or repairs
- draughtproofing
- solar energy installations
You need to provide information showing you are (or your tenant is) eligible, and details about the property. If the application is successful, a survey will be needed to work out which improvements are most suitable.
All surveys and installations are managed by RetrofitWorks. They provide a dedicated contact who helps explain what improvements are most suitable and ensures that work is carried out to a high standard. All work undertaken will be in accordance with current Government Retrofit standards (PAS 2035.2019) and will be carried out by Trustmark-registered installers for your peace of mind.
The scheme is currently open with funds being distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.
Find out more about the Warmer Homes scheme (external link) and how to apply
Grants from your energy supplier
Many major energy suppliers offer non-repayable grants to help reduce energy debt in households experiencing financial hardship.
The schemes vary between companies, so you will need to get in contact with your energy supplier to check what they offer and who can apply.
Haringey Support Fund
This is a scheme to support residents who are facing unexpected costs and require emergency help, including gas and electricity reconnection.
See our Haringey Support Fund page for more information.
Other available support
Loft insulation
If the insulation in your loft is not 300mm (12 inches) thick you could be losing a large amount of heat through the roof of your property. Some energy suppliers offer free insulation to eligible households.
If you think your loft needs insulating, please contact SHINE London.
London Power
The Greater London Authority’s energy company offers one of the cheapest pre-pay tariffs and doesn’t roll over residents to expensive variable tariffs.
- Website London Power (external link)
- Email hello@mylondonpower.com
Priority Services Register (PSR)
This is a free service provided by suppliers to customers who may need some extra support. Contact your supplier to find out more information and to register.
Smart meter installation
Upgrading to a smart meter with your energy supplier is free and can help you save energy and money.
A smart meter collects accurate energy readings and allows you to see where and how you’re using energy in near real-time, via an in-home display.
Your smart meter will also send energy readings directly to your supplier, so you don’t have to, giving you more accurate bills.
To find out about smart meter installation, please contact your energy supplier.
See also
- Financial support team – our financial support team helps Haringey residents improve their financial situation. Find out how they can help you.
- Haringey, Here to Help – help and support including benefits and financial help, employment, housing and mental health
- Haringey Support Fund – a scheme that can help with the costs of basic living needs such as food, and gas and electricity reconnection.
- Preparing for winter – Ageing Well guide