Energy and water bills
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, Act On Energy offers free and impartial advice to householders and small businesses.
Act On Energy can check whether you qualify for grant support and offer advice on how to cut your energy bills and keep your home warm.
Call Act On Energy from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on the freephone advice line: 0800 988 2881.
Email the Act On Energy team at advice@actonenergy.org.uk
Visit the Act On Energy website.
Severn Trent
Severn Trent's Big Difference Scheme offers a reduction of water bills to any Severn Trent customer with a household income below £23,492.
Households with child dependents may be eligible for an additional income allowance in excess of this amount.
The scheme will access your household income when you apply, and that assessment will determine your eligibility. They may also take into consideration personal savings as part of the assessment.
If your application is successful, you'll get a new payment plan. The Big Difference Scheme will design a tailored plan for you which will include payments towards any outstanding debt on your account.
The scheme runs for 12 months at a time. At the end of the term you will need to reapply. For more information and to apply, visit the Severn Trent website.
Cold weather payments
You may be eligible for cold weather payments if you receive benefits or support for mortgage interest.
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive these payments automatically. You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you.
The payments do not affect your other benefits.
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
You’ll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026. Find out more about cold weather payment.
Pension credit and winter fuel payments
Pension credit is payable to anyone of state pension age (aged 66 years or older) who is on a low income. Find out more about pension credit and winter fuel payments.
Warm home discounts
The warm home discount scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out. Learn more about Warm Home discounts.
Local welfare scheme
Vouchers towards utility bills are available for eligible households using pre-payment meters, paying by direct debit or on receipt of bill. Funding is available from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Call the Local Welfare Scheme on 0800 408 1448 or 0192 635 9182 in confidence. For more information visit Warwickshire County Council website.
