Using the most recent official Government figures between 14% and 15% – approximately 1 in 7 – Coventry households cannot afford to heat their homes and are considered to be in ‘fuel poverty’.
With the Energy Price Cap recently increased for those on Standard Variable Tariffs (SVT’s) and Pre-Payment Meters, energy companies going bust left right and centre, and low income households hit by a dramatic cut in Universal Credit, it is expected that this figure will get much worse before it gets better.
Cold homes have significant health consequences.
Those with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable to the cold. This includes physical conditions, such as circulatory problems, diabetes and arthritis; and mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.
Respiratory conditions, like asthma, can be exacerbated by the cold, even more so if there are damp and mould issues in living spaces. This is often the case in under-heated, poorly ventilated homes.
People with certain disabilities, children and the elderly also fall into higher risk categories.
18°C is the recommended night time bedroom temperature. 19-21°C is the recommended daytime temperature range for occupied rooms. Anything below this is increasing your risk of health problems.
For more on the health consequences of cold homes visit the website of the Centre for Sustainable Energy at https://www.cse.org.uk/advice/advice-and-support/heat-and-health .
Coventry Citizens Advice believes, despite the current volatility of the energy market and the income hit to low income households, there are things that can be done to ensure a warm home this winter.
Below are some tips you might find helpful.
Help I can get with my fuel bills and fuel debts
If you are in receipt of a low income you may be entitled to apply for a £140 discount off your electricity bill via the Warm Homes Discount. Applications open this week. Ask your energy supplier about it now.
Depending on your circumstances, and weather conditions, you may also be available for help through Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments. Ask your nearest independent advice agency about these options or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk and look for yourself.
Many energy companies support hardship funds which can help you clear energy debts. Again, contact your energy supplier in the first instance to see what is available to you.
There is much talk currently about difficulties in trying to get a good deal when switching supplier. Remember, your own supplier is obligated to put you on their best tariff at your request. All you have to do is ask.
Finally, if you find yourself in fuel crisis, and at risk of self-disconnection, emergency help is available. Contact your local authority and ask them how to apply for fuel vouchers.
How I can help my household save energy and reduce energy waste
Understanding your energy bills and what appliances use the most energy is helpful in reducing your energy use or avoiding waste.
The range of ways to reduce energy use or use energy more efficiently is wide and mostly well-known.
Curtains, carpets and draft excluders are all ways to keep heat from escaping through the floors, doors and windows. Loft insulation is equally effective in preventing heat loss through the roof.
Understanding how to use storage heaters and thermostatically controlled central heating effectively can make a significant difference to your energy bills; as can avoiding, if possible, old fashioned high output electric bar heaters.
Avoiding the use of inefficient appliances and replacing them with efficient alternatives, or an alternative approach to completing tasks such as the ironing and other high energy outputs, is another important way to reduce energy waste.
Whatever you do in this area – whether taking shorter showers, having fewer hot drinks or switching appliances off when you are not using them rather than keeping them on stand-by – the most important thing to remember is that your first priority is to keep yourself warm. Keep warm this winter.
Other help available
Energy costs cannot usually be separated from other essential household bills. If you are struggling to make ends meet, or worried about debts, get money and debt advice from credible and reputable independent advice services.
Good advice is available free in Coventry from several sources – see below. You should not be paying to get the help you need.
In relation to energy issues specifically, if you have the opportunity it is useful to look into the installation of a smart meter. Installation should be free and they can be a valuable tool in monitoring how you are using energy and comparing your use with that of similar sized households or even other areas of the country. Visit https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-smart-meter for more details.
If you are a home owner you may be eligible for help under the ECO Scheme. Again, ask your local independent advice agency about eligibility or visit any of the websites listed below.
Finally, if you or your household are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of a power cut, maybe for health reasons, take advice on the Priority Services Register. Sign up is free and could mean you receive priority help in an energy emergency.
Organisations that can help me with my energy issues
For national support with money and bills, or expert energy advice, try any of the following organisations:
Money Advice Service (now known as ‘MoneyHelper’) – go to https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en .
National Energy Action (NEA) – go to https://www.nea.org.uk/ or call 0800 304 7159.
Energy Saving Trust (EST) – go to https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/ , or
Simple Energy Advice – go to https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/ or call 0800 444 202.
For support closer to home visit or call any of the following:
Coventry Citizens Advice – go to www.coventrycitizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 88 48.
Coventry City Council – go to https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/65/home_energy_and_warmth , or
Act On Energy – go to advice@actonenergy.org.uk or call 0800 988 2881.
Whatever you do, or don’t do, please ‘Keep Warm This Winter’.
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