Help with your winter energy bills

After falling in the latter part of 2007, energy bills are rising again

With bills rising for gas and electricity, there are concerns that many people on low or fixed incomes are being pushed into fuel poverty.

Being fuel poor is defined as living in a household that spends more than 10% of its income on domestic fuel.

Some energy companies already offer social tariffs with special rates and other measures which aim to cut the bills of vulnerable customers.

Working Lunch has compiled a list of the assistance available from the main providers.

BRITISH GAS

Winter Warmer Scheme for customers claiming pension credit and either disability or attendance allowance.

It includes a bill reduction of up to £60 for gas bill and £30 for energy bill each winter and advice.

Free loft and cavity wall insulation for customers aged 70 and above.

British Gas Energy Trust offers advice and grants, for customers struggling with debt problems.

www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

Tel: [phone]

EDF

The social tariff Energy Assist applies to customers who spend more than 10% of their household income after tax on energy bills or are receiving income support or pension credit.

Free loft and cavity wall insulation for anyone aged 70 and over, or in receipt of income, disability related benefits.

The EDF Energy Trust Fund offers advice and grants: 01733 421 021.

E.ON

Stay Warm tariff for customers aged over 60, living in a 3 bedroom house or smaller, who get both electricity and gas from E.On and pay by direct debit.

The tariff is fixed for 12 months - but the rate charged depends on levels of energy use.

Free loft and cavity wall insulation for anyone - whether a customer or not - over 70 or those receiving income support, housing benefit, council tax benefit, income-based jobseeker's allowance.

www.eonenergy.com

Stay Warm helpline 0845 303 3060 (calls cost 2p a minute).

Age Concern tariff offers a cold weather payments to all gas customers with extra payments for those over 60.

NPOWER

The company's social tariff is called First Steps.

Customers worried about their bills should call the Warm Response line 0808 172 6999 to find out if the company can help.

www.npower.com

SCOTTISH AND SOUTHERN

Social tariff is called Energyplus Care and offers a 20% reduction in a customers' bill.

The company says customers might be eligible if they spend at least 10% household income after tax on energy bills, claim benefit or have special needs.

Scottish and Southern Careline: 0800 622 838.

SCOTTISH POWER

For customers on its Carefree Priority Services Register, ScottishPower will offset the impact of the recent price increase over the winter months. This will take the form of a credit to these customers (average of £22 for gas and/or an average of £9 for electricity accounts).

New social tariff: In addition to the winter rebate, eligible customers on ScottishPower's Priority Services Register can apply for ScottishPower's new Carefree Plus social tariff. This package will offer eligible customers a saving of up to £112 per annum.

www.scottishpower.co.uk