Although the government has capped the unit cost of electricity and gas for six months from 1 October 2022, the amount individual households could pay is not capped at £2,500. The more you use the, the more you will pay. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills:

The government’s cost of living support

The government is offering help for households with the cost of living. These are the main support schemes that will be applied automatically to eligible people or households:

Energy Bill Discount

All households with a domestic electricity connection will get £400 off their energy bills this winter. The non-repayable discount will be automatically deducted by your energy provider in six monthly instalments between October 2022 and March 2023. Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme (Gov.UK).

Energy Bill Support Scheme alternative funding

If you do not receive the £400 Energy Bill Discount automatically you can apply for the discount direct on the GOV.UK website. You can only make one application per household.

Energy Price Guarantee

The cap on the unit cost of electricity and gas came into effect on 1 October so that the average unit price for duel fuel customers paying by direct debit will be limited to 34.0p/kWh for electricity and 10.3p/kWh for gas, inclusive of VAT. Please note, the amount individual households will pay is not capped at £2,500. The more you use, the more you will pay. Find out more with the Energy bills support factsheet (Gov.UK)

Cost of Living Payment

Most eligible households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, should have received their 2022 Cost of Living Payment (GOV.uk). Households in receipt of low income benefits and tax credits may be entitled to up to three Cost of Living Payments between April 2023 and March 2024. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. Find out more about the Cost of Living Payment (Gov.UK)

Disability Cost of Living Payment

Individuals on disability benefits will automatically receive a one-off £150 payment during summer 2023. Find out if you’re eligible for a Disability Cost of Living Payment (Gov.UK)

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Pensioners entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024 will get an extra £150 or £300 payment from November 2023. Find out more about the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment (Gov.UK)

Other government support

For information about other support available, including further help with energy bills, help with childcare costs and transport visit Help for households (Gov.UK)

Reducing energy bills

Improving the energy efficiency of your home will keep you warmer and save you money by reducing the amount of energy you use. There are grants available to help and organisations that can advise you.

  • Visit the My Sustainable Home web pages for information on grants available and advice on reducing your energy and water use, which could save you money on your bills and improve environmental sustainability.

Online Energy Advice Tool

Surrey County Council's new online tool will ask you a series of short questions before offering you tailored information on grants, support and advice, and non-financial help on a range of topics. 

Sustainable Warmth grant

Grants of up to £25, 000 are now available for eligible Surrey residents to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. People living in hard to heat homes and on lower incomes, could receive a grant to improve insulation and install renewable technology. Improvement measures include loft insulation, cavity and external wall insulation, underfloor insulation and renewables, such as solar electricity panels. 

Energy saving advice

These organisations provide free advice and information about ways to save energy and reduce the amount your bills.

  • Action Surrey provides advice on how to reduce your energy use, including information about grants available, such as the Sustainable Warmth grant.
  • Warmth Matters: Surrey Community Action's Warmth Matters can provide support and practical advice to help you stay warm, stay health and save money.
  • The Energy Savings Trust can help you make your home more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills.