Energy efficiency advice

We have an important role to play in supporting our residents to reduce their energy use and to improve the energy efficiency of homes across out district.
This will not only support our residents struggling with the cost of energy but also supports our goals in the Wychavon Intelligently Green Plan.
You can also join our WYCHRewards scheme for free and log your sustainable actions with the chance to win vouchers. Find out more about WYCHRewards.
Help with energy bills or energy debt
If you are struggling to afford your energy bills or are in debt to your supplier then you can get help and advice in the following ways.
Act on Energy
An independent energy advice charity that will offer free one-to-one advice on everything from energy debt to improving energy efficiency. They are supported by us. Contact
Help from your energy supplier
If you’re struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay what you owe them.
Your supplier is required to work with you to come up with a payment plan you can afford.
If you can’t agree a plan or you believe they are being deliberately unhelpful, then you can complain about your energy supplier to Ofgem.
Some energy supplies have hardship funds you can access. If your supplier isn’t listed below then please ask them what support is available.
- British Gas Energy Support Fund - apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund - apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
- Ovo Customer Support Package - apply for help on the Ovo Energy Fund website
- E.ON Next Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund - sign up to the priority services register to apply for a grant on the EDF Energy website
- Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ - apply for a grant on the Octopus website
The British Gas Energy Trust supports both British Gas Customers and non-British gas customers to clear energy bills debt. Find out more about grants from The British Gas Energy Trust.
If you receive the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income with high energy bills, then find out if you qualify for the Warm Homes discount.
Information on energy bills support for people living in a park home, houseboat, off-grid or paying electricity as rent., can be found on the Government's website.
Check the energy efficiency of your home
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can help save money on your bills and reduce your carbon footprint, helping our planet.
There are a number of schemes available to help you with the cost of work to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home.
If you do not know the energy efficiency rating of your home, or would like ideas about how to improve your rating, use the online checker to find out what energy efficiency or low carbon heat improvements may be suitable for your home.
Energy efficiency funding schemes
There are several schemes available to help with the cost of improving the energy efficiency of your home from insulation to heat pumps.
Home Upgrade Grant Scheme (HUG2)
The scheme aims to enhance the comfort and energy efficiency of lower income households, that rely on heating methods other than mains gas central heating.
The scheme is currently closed but we are waiting for confirmation on new funding and will make an announcement soon.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The Government requires energy companies to provide funding to help improve the energy efficiency of homes, reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty.
If you are on certain benefits, you may be able to get help funding, all or some, of the cost of some types of insulation or heating systems, such as a replacement boiler.
To qualify you need to be claiming one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Pension Credit Guarantee (not savings credit)
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Benefit*
- Disability Benefits
– Personal Independence Payment
– Disability Living Allowance
– Attendance Allowance
– Armed Forces Independence Payment
– Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
*based on income thresholds and household composition
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
You may be able to get help towards the cost of replacing your boiler with a more energy efficient solution through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
If you meet the qualifying criteria, you can get one grant per property. The grant covers:
- £7,500 towards the cost and installation of an air source heat pump.
- £7,500 towards the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps).
- £5,000 towards the cost and installation of a biomass boiler.
Find out more and check if you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Great British Insulation Scheme
You may be able to get help with installing cavity wall or loft insulation if your home.
- has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G - check your EPC
- is in Council Tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales - check your Council Tax band
You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association). If you’re a tenant, speak to your landlord before you apply. You’ll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.
Check if you qualify for the Great British Insulation Scheme on the Government’s website.
If you can’t use the online service call the Great British Insulation Scheme helpline on 0800 098 7950 Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm (not bank holidays) and Saturday from 9am to 12pm.
If you qualify for support, your energy supplier will contact you. They’ll arrange an assessment of the property.
If you need to pay anything, you’ll find out after the assessment. You can decide not to go ahead if you do not agree with the assessment or costs.
Advice on renewable energy
- Installing renewable energy systems in your own home can cut your energy bills and the harmful carbon emissions your household creates.
- There are many forms of renewable energy including solar panels, wind turbines, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers.
- You could also be paid for the energy you generate for seven years as part of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive.
- Find out more about installing renewable energy technology in your home on the Energy Saving Trust website.
- You can also call Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881.
Energy saving tips
By taking some simple energy saving measures you can save money on your bills.
- Reduce your boiler flow temperature - follow Nesta's simple guide to reducing your boiler flow rate(opens in a new window)
- Use smart technology to control your heating
- Turn your thermostat down 1 degree (your home should be a minimum temperature of 18 degrees celsius)
- Switch your appliances off stand-by
- Use a bowl to wash up in
- Replace all your bulbs with LEDs
- Turn off lights when you’re not in the room
- Draught proof doors and windows
- Spend one less minute in the shower each day
- Do one less load of laundry a week
- Fill the kettle with just the right amount of water
Check out more ways to cut your bills from the Energy Saving Trust.
Switch energy provider
This is one of the easiest things you can do to save you money on your bills.
- Use an Ofgem approved price comparison website to compare energy prices.
- You can also call Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881.
Get a smart meter
A smart meter will give you near to real-time information on your energy consumption to help you manage your energy use and save money, as well as reduce your carbon footprint. It also means your billing will be more accurate as information will be sent direct to your energy provider. Smart meters can be installed for free.
Find out more about how to get a smart meter on GOV.UK
Join an energy switching scheme
Energy switching schemes join groups of people together. Energy companies then bid for the right to supply those individuals to supply their gas and electricity. Because it is one bulk contract, members of the scheme benefit from a lower price. Auctions take place three times a year.
- Find out more about the Big Community Energy Switch.
- If you rely on heating oil then you may want to consider joining a community oil buying club.
Cheap ways to save money on energy bills
- Turn radiator TRVs (Thermostatic radiator valves) off in rooms that are not in use.
- Bleed radiators to prevent ‘cold spots’ and improve the efficiency and heat outlet.
- Keep all internal doors closed to prevent heat escaping from rooms that you are heating.
- Avoid placing furniture and furnishings in front of radiators to allow the room to heat efficiently, this includes radiator covers.
- Don’t hang curtains over radiators to prevent heat being pushed up to escape through windows – tuck them up and away, if possible - whilst keeping the windows covered.
- Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree celsius, although be sure not to compromise your health. For most people without health complications the ideal temperature will be between 18 and 21 degrees celsius. The Energy Saving Trust has estimated you could save around 10% a year on your energy bills. You could alter the thermostat setting by reducing 1 degree daily, until you find the most comfortable heat setting for your home without compromising your health.
- Make good use of your heating controls with a timed programme setting when you are at home, having the heating turn off 20 minutes before you leave will still leave your home sufficiently warm before your exit.
- Turn off appliances instead of leaving them on standby. The average UK household spends approximately £45 a year powering electrical appliances left on standby, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
- Only heat the required amount of water in your kettle.
- Ensure lights are switched off when you leave a room.
- Turn down the flow temperature on your gas combi boiler to save money – step by step guidance can be found at the Walkthrough - Money Saving Boiler Challenge
- Shower for less time & swap baths for short showers – the typical household could save £60 a year by limiting shower times to four minutes and save even more by swapping one bath a week for a four-minute shower according to the Energy Saving Trust.
- Wash dishes in a bowl of hot water to avoid the hot water constantly running.
- Only run washing machines and dishwashers at full capacity to reduce the number of cycles and use lower temperate cycles or eco-settings, if possible.
- Avoid tumble dryers and use drying racks inside or washing lines outside where possible in warmer weather. Remember to open windows slightly for good ventilation when drying clothes indoors to prevent damp and condensation in your home.
Energy Saving Trust – Short hack video
Save £564 on your energy bills: Visit YouTube to watch a video on quick & easy tips for saving money on your energy bills (based on the October 2022 Energy Price Guarantee, for a typical three-bedroom home).
Ways to save money on your energy bills with an upfront cost
- Replace all traditional/halogen lightbulbs with energy saving LED bulbs. For more information, visit Guide to energy efficient lighting - Energy Saving Trust.
- Better insulate your hot water cylinder with thicker insulated jackets which you can buy from DIY stores. Topping up your hot water tank insulation from 25mm to 80mm thick.
- Install radiator reflector panels to prevent heat being absorbed by the walls.
- Draught proof windows and doors. The Energy Saving Trust estimates a saving of £40 a year. For more information, visit A helpful guide to draught-proofing - Energy Saving Trust.
- Draught proof around your chimney. The Energy Saving Trust estimates a saving of £55 a year. For more information, visit A helpful guide to draught-proofing - Energy Saving Trust.
Calculating the cost of your devices and appliances
Calculating the cost of your devices and appliances is a useful way of working out how much they are costing you to run.
To work out the cost simply find the amount of electricity the appliance uses in Watts or kiloWatts (this can usually be found in the manual or on the box) and multiply it by the length of time it is used (in Hours or Minutes). You then multiply this number by the cost you pay for each kiloWatt hour of electricy, which is shown on your bill and is currently capped at 24.86p per kiloWatt hour.
You can also use an online electricity cost calculator to do the calculation for you.
Energy saving myth busters
Is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day or turn it on only when needed?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, the idea its cheaper to leave your heating on low all day is a myth. Having your heating on only when needed, is the best way to save energy and money. Heating controls and programmers can assist with scheduling when needed.
To keep the hot water boiler on all the time, or turn it on & off as needed?
If you have a gas, oil, or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) central heating system, experts say it will always be cheaper to set and use the system timer, so the hot water comes on only when required.
However, if you use an electrical immersion heater and have an Economy 7 or 10 tariff (where energy is cheaper at night), it's cheaper to heat your water during the night. Making sure your hot water tank is well insulated.
Do electrical devices on standby or chargers left in sockets use energy while not in use?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, any switched-on charger or appliance that is plugged in will still draw small amounts of electricity regardless of whether a device is attached or not.
Do smart meters save money?
Not on their own. Smart meters replace existing gas and electricity meters to measure your usage. This will mean an end to estimated bills as the meter readings are automatically sent to your supplier from the smart meter. However, using your smart meter in home display will help you identify high, medium & low usage periods. The more information you have on your usage the more in control of it you can be. During high usage you can check which appliances are in use and switched on, switch them off & see the change to your energy consumption by checking the display again. The in-home display will allow you to see how much energy was used in the last hour, week & month by kWh & what the costs in pounds & pence.
Is it cheaper to use electric heaters or your central heating systems radiators?
The Energy Saving Trust say electric heaters are one of the most expensive forms of heating. They advise the cheapest way to heat your home is by using an efficient gas central heating system with a programmer, full set of TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) with a room thermostat.
Is it cheaper to use electricity at night?
If you’re on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff, yes – you’ll pay less for electricity during the night but higher than average during the day. For all other tariffs it doesn’t make any difference.
However, National Grid has introduced Demand Flexible Servicing – Smart meter users can opt in to reduce their demand at peak times and be paid for shifting to non-peak times.
The difference between controlling the heating with TRVs & the main thermostat
Thermostats will control your boiler and the temperature of the home & each TRV controls the water flow through each radiator, giving you extra control to adjust the warmth of each room with a TRV. This means you can set rooms to be cooler if not in use, in return this will save energy & money.
Will painting radiators black help or using reflective radiator panels help save energy and money?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, painting radiators black will not help. Using reflective radiator panels will prevent heat being lost through the walls behind the radiator, especially uninsulated walls resulting in saving heat & money. You can buy these panels in DIY stores.
Will drying my clothes indoors cause damp & mould?
Its best to try and dry your clothes outdoors if the weather permits as drying indoors can sometimes cause condensation and damp in old & poorly insulated homes. Alternately, try to time your washing cycle with putting clothes to dry during the hours you are using your heating.
According to the National House Building Council, if you need to dry clothes indoors, improve the ventilation by opening the window and closing the door of the room where the clothes are drying, allowing excess moisture to escape.
Using 30-degree celsius washing machine cycles will not clean your clothes
Washing cycles operating at 30 degree celsius cycles can help save money. Most washing detergents are now designed to work just as well at 30C as they would as higher temperatures. Stubborn stains could be removed using a stain-remover & pre-wash cycle to prevent you using the higher temperatures.
Turning the thermostat up high will heat your home quicker
Central heating systems work at the same constant speed regardless of the temperature being set higher, so it will not meet a higher temperature any quicker if set higher.
You cannot have wall insulation an old house where there is no cavity
35% of heat in a home is lost through external walls. There are several ways to insulate walls, if the walls are solid brick without a cavity, you can insulate walls internally or externally. This is called solid wall insulation or internal wall insulation. You may be eligible for a grant to fund this through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Contact your local energy charity, Act on Energy for more information.
Cavity wall insulation will make your home damp
Cavity wall insulation is much more likely to solve problems of damp caused by condensation as this makes the external walls less cold and less prone to damp. For most households, cavity wall insulation has a huge impact on keeping your home warm, losing less heat & reducing the amount of energy used to heat your home.