Fuel

Not sure who your supplier is?

Electricity – If you do not know who supplies your electricity you should contact Western Power who keeps a record of suppliers in the midlands area. You can search for your address on Western Powers website.

Gas – Your supplier’s details will be on the bill. If you don’t have a bill or statement you can find out the name of your gas supplier by calling 0870 608 1524 or visiting Find My Supplier.

Biomass

Heating and insulation has been a fundamental issue with many 1960s’ high-rises, including ours. Apartments were cold and prone to mould and drafts. These issues have now been eradicated through the combination of external wall insulation, new windows and new controllable central heating fuelled by Biomass (wood pellets).

The impact of the external wall insulation alone can be judged by the fact that the ambient temperature around unheated areas such as stairwells is now 16 degrees in mid-winter.

Previously tenants in these properties relied on outdated electric storage heaters. These were expensive to run with controls that were not easy to operate. The eco-friendly biomass system puts residents in charge with more manageable controls as they now have new radiators, temperature and timer controls.

Residents can have heating and hot water when they need it without the need for immersion heaters.

At present, Biomass central heating would not form part of any Collective Fuel switching project, but households could certainly switch suppliers for their electricity.”

Please note, if you have had this new heating system you should ask your electricity supplier to change your energy tariff from Economy 7 as cheaper tariffs may be available.

Saving Energy

We all want a comfy warm home that doesn’t cost the earth and there are things we can all do to achieve this. See how you can save energy at home and read through some top tips produced by the Energy Saving Trust to help you reduce your fuel bills.

Price Comparison
It is now a much easier process to compare and change energy suppliers. A good starting point would be to visit the OFGEM website and select an acredited comparison site to see if you would benefit from a better deal.

Collective Switch
As some utility companies announce increases in gas and electricity prices Solihull Council’s Switch and Save scheme is back to help residents find a better deal on their energy bills.

Using collective bargaining power, residents can secure better prices from energy providers, and last year households that took part in the scheme saved an average of £277.

Why not register for a no obligation quote from the Solihull Switch and Save and see if you could save money on your fuel bills?

Extra help with energy if you’re vulnerable or on a low income

You may be classed as vulnerable if you are:

• a pensioner
• disabled
• chronically ill
• unable to look after your own welfare or living with someone who is unable to look after their own welfare

If you fall into one of these categories, or are on a low income, you may be able to get extra help with managing your gas and electricity services or paying the bills.

A number of different schemes are available to vulnerable and low-income customers each with their own criteria

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is run by energy suppliers and offers free services for older people and those who are registered disabled, have a hearing or vision impairment or have a long term health illness. These services may include the following:

• priority reconnection following a power cut,
• a service to take regular meter readings if you’re unable to do it yourself
• bills tailored to your needs, including large print and Braille.
• moving your meter free of charge to make it easier for you to access
• having controls or adaptors provided to make your meter or appliances easier to use
• priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted and advance notice if they have to stop your supply
• alternative facilities for cooking and heating if your energy supply is interrupted
• additional protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme
• arranging for your bills to be sent or copied to someone else, such as a carer, who can help you read and check them
• free advice and information about the services available because of your age, disability or chronic illness.

You need to register with your supplier to take advantage of the services offered.

Winter fuel payments

You could receive between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 January 1953. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme

Many pensioners and people on certain benefits can get an automatic rebate on their electricity bills. Find out about the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Cold Weather Payments

Cold Weather Payments can help people who get certain benefits with their additional heating costs if it is very cold during the winter.

You may get Cold Weather Payments if you’re getting:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

More information can be found  on the Government website.