Energy saving measures
Priority Services Register
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.
You are eligible if you:
- have reached your state pension age
- are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
- are recovering from an injury
- have a hearing or sight condition
- have a mental health condition
- are pregnant or have children under 5
- have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well).
You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital.
Find more details on the Ofgem website.
Free Electric Blankets
If you are an Octopus customer, you may be eligible for a free electric blanket. Please see the link for further details and how to apply Free electric blankets for our most vulnerable | Octopus Energy
Businesses, Communities and Group Funding
Rural Community Energy Fund
The Rural Community Energy Fund is a £10 million programme that supports rural communities in England to develop renewable energy projects with community benefit.
The aims of the fund are to:
- Support rural communities by helping them to maximise the income-generating potential of renewable energy and put this income to work in their local area
- Increase the uptake of community and locally-owned renewable energy to support the Government’s targets for renewable energy and carbon reduction
- Enable communities to access the economic and social benefits associated with renewable energy schemes through the promotion of rural growth, job creation and volunteering opportunities.
To find more details visit the Greater South East Energy Hub.
Community Oil Buying Scheme
The community oil buying scheme allows you access to cheaper wholesale oil prices by buying together as a community. Find more details on the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE).
Advice and Guidance
Warm Homes Essex
Warm Homes Essex is a website run by Essex County Council that provides a one-stop shop for all things home energy saving.
Warm Homes Essex - Energy and financial wellbeing
The focus of the project is to support those whose health is adversely affected or at risk from living in a cold home. This includes older people, people with illness or disabilities or families with children with asthma.
The advice provided by the service is intensive and personalised, taking place over an extended period in order to ensure everything that can be done to improve the householder’s circumstances is done – such as maximising benefit entitlements, resolving disputes with energy suppliers, addressing debt problems and applying for grants to improve the energy efficiency of the home.
Citizens Advice is keen to reach out to people who might be struggling. Call 0808 278 7852.
Useful resources
Turn2Us – What is fuel poverty?
