How can I stay warm this winter without high heating bills?
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With the rising cost of energy, many households are finding it increasingly difficult to afford their heating. If you’re worried about keeping warm without increasing your energy bills, you’re not alone. This guide explains what help is available and shares practical ways to stay warm while keeping costs as low as possible.
What financial help is available if I can’t afford my energy bills?
If you’re worried about heating costs or falling behind on energy bills, support is available — and you don’t have to manage it alone.
At PayPlan, our advisors can talk you through your situation, help you explore ways to make your bills more manageable — including support with arrears and affordable repayment plans — and, where needed, connect you with trusted partner organisations for additional support.
Tools and organisations that can help lower energy costs
- Our BudgetSmart can help identify ways to reduce your utility bills, including discounts and grants you may be eligible for.
- Our partner, LEAP, provides free energy and money-saving advice for people receiving low-income benefits.
What help is available to make my home warmer?
You may be entitled to schemes that improve how warm and energy-efficient your home is:
- Warm Home Discount Scheme[1] – A one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill, applied automatically by your energy supplier if you’re eligible.
- Warm Homes (local grant to improve a home) – Free energy-saving home improvements through your local council, following a home survey.
You may also be eligible for the Priority Services Register, which offers extra support from your energy supplier if you:
- Have a disability or long-term health condition
- Are pregnant
- Have young children
What extra payments are available during cold weather?
- Winter Fuel Payments[2] – a payment of between £100 and £300 to help cover heating costs during the winter months.
- Cold Weather Payment[3] – automatic payments of £25 for every 7-day period when temperatures in your area are recorded as, or forecast to be, below zero degrees between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026.
How can I keep my home warm while using less energy?[4]:
Simple, low-cost changes can help reduce heat loss and keep your home comfortable:
- Wear layers – Several thin layers trap heat better than one thick layer.
- Use added warmth – Hot water bottles, warm socks and slippers reduce reliance on heating.
- Block draughts – Draught excluders help prevent warm air escaping through doors and windows.
- Use heating controls efficiently – If you use a timer or thermostat, setting your heating to come on for shorter, targeted periods can sometimes be more efficient than leaving it on for long stretches.
Where can I get free, confidential help with energy bills?
If you’re worried about heating costs, you don’t have to cope on your own. Our advisors can help you understand your options and find solutions that work for your situation.
Get debt help online or call us on 0800 316 1833 for a confidential conversation.
[1] Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview – GOV.UK
[2] Winter Fuel Payment: Overview – GOV.UK