Energy, bills & keeping well at home
- Location: Age UK Bath & North East Somerset
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Bath & North East Somerset - Head Office's catchment area.
Email: bathnes.thehub@hcrgcaregroup.com
Telephone: 0300 247 0050
Managing energy bills and keeping your home safe and comfortable can feel challenging, especially if you are on a fixed income or finding everyday tasks harder. Here you can find information about energy costs, support with heating bills, and practical advice for keeping well at home in hot or cold weather.
Keeping well at home
The cost of living is a topic people of all ages are still concerned about. Managing our money to meet the costs of life can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a fixed income. There is a lot of help out there, but navigating energy and utility company processes is at times tricky, especially if you’re not confident with computers, or face barriers to access like being hearing or visually impaired.
Keeping warm or cool is very important for our health, in the same way that staying active, eating well, and taking the right medications keep us fit and healthy. Temperature can really impact our brain and bodies, and could lead to severe health complications, if not looked after when its too hot or cold.
Listen to heat or cold warnings from the weather service, and follow any public service announcements on how to manage in adverse weather conditions.
Do ask for help and support with getting about, shopping, and staying connected to family and friends
Do stay hydrated, take medications as instructed, and eat well
Don’t take risks with your health or well-being - there is a lot of community support available
We have information about keeping warm and staying cool in our Information Guides.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. You must have reached State Pension age (66 in 2026, and rising to 67 in 2027). Your Winter Fuel Payment will be recovered through the tax system if your taxable income is over £35,000.
Priority Service Register(s) (PSRs)
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply. Most energy or utility companies have their own Priority Service Register; they usually have their own dedicated phone line. You may need to look this up for your specific energy or water provider.
In the event of a power cut in England or Wales:
➤ Call 105 for help and advice.
➤ Call 0800 111 999 for a Gas or Carbon Monoxide emergency
If there is risk to life or fire, call 999
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier if you're living on a low income or a pension.
If your electricity supplier is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme, then you don't need to apply for it – you'll get the payment automatically if you or your partner receives the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, or another means-tested benefit.
Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or the Cold Weather Payment. Age UK Banes can help you apply for this grant to help with your heating costs.
If you are having issues paying your energy bill, speak to your energy or water supplier. The Utility companies have a duty of care to help support customers struggling to pay or who have health vulnerabilities. The support organisations below can offer advice around debts, benefits, and access to services like Priority Service Registers.