Energy Price Crisis: How We Can Help

It was recently announced by the UK government that a rise in fuel prices could increase household energy prices by a huge 54% from April. A percentage rise like this could increase energy bills by over £600 a year. Despite the introduction of the repayable £200 discount to households and a tax rebate of £150 also announced by the government - we wanted to share some more helpful information and sessions that we have here at Community Action Norfolk. There are also several organisations, schemes and discounts that may be able to help you.

In Norfolk, the following funds may be able to help if you are struggling financially or unable to pay your energy bills.

• The Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) helps people who are in financial hardship and cannot pay their living costs, find out more on there website here Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS).​
• Norfolk Warm Homes Fund is a partnership programme, led by Broadland District Council, working with Norwich City Council, South Norfolk District Council, North Norfolk District Council, the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland District Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Our aim is to support low-income residents, reduce energy bills and increase the thermal comfort of their homes. You can find out more about NWH or find out how to apply on their website here Norfolk Warm Homes. 
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National Support 

National Energy Action (NEA) work with the vision to end fuel poverty. They work across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to campaign for warmer homes for everyone. NEA do this by providing advice and support to people struggling to heat their homes affordably, either directly or via community engagement projects and outreach. More information is available on their website here National Energy Action (NEA).

The Simple Energy Advice Website provides free support on energy and the national and local grants and support that are currently in place, find out more here.

There are national grants available to those born after 1955, people on low incomes and people who may already claim financial support in the form of benefits. These schemes are available to apply to and are there to help you. To find out more about the Winter Fuel allowance or Fuel Payments, visit the government websites at; Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment or Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. Energy suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register. You need to contact your energy supplier or network operator to get on it. For information and support with the Priority Services Register, please visit their website here.

Scope, who are a charity who advocate for equality for disabled people, offer free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping them to manage their energy and water needs. Find out mroe here.

There are also fuel vouchers available for those on low incomes. If you think you might be eligible or need any assistance or have any further questions, your energy supplier will be able to provide you will with support.

Energy Advice Sessions

Here at Community Action Norfolk, we regularly run free energy advice sessions here at CAN and they are presented by Steve Nunn. The rapid rises in energy prices is of great concern to all consumers, but especially to low-income households who are worried about paying their bills. These sessions will be valuable for anyone who engages with vulnerable clients and service users across any age demographic. It will also be useful to all of us as individuals, for we are all having to pay more for our energy.

The Training Covers: 

• Understanding Fuel Poverty – its causes and health impacts
• Sources of help and support
• Switching supplier – to switch or not to switch?
• Energy saving trusts in the home
   

We have a number of these sessions running on Microsoft Teams in February, the following dates are available to book:

• Mon 7th March: 12 – 1pm
• Mon 14th March: 12 – 1pm
• Tues 15th March: 12 – 1pm
• Mon 21st March: 12 – 1pm

Please email here to book your free place! 

Community Action Norfolk also work in partnership with ThinkingFuel and the Norfolk Energy Switch to ensure our members and community are getting the best possible prices for their energy or bulk oil buying. If you would like to find out more please email our office here or on office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk.