Surrey online energy advice tool
As energy bills are expected to further increase in April 2023, Surrey County Council has launched an online energy advice tool.
The new online tool will ask you a series of short questions and depending on the answers it will offer tailored information on grants, support and advice, and non-financial help on a range of topics including:
- free or part-funded schemes to make homes more energy efficient
- signpost to debt relief grants
- where to find additional services such as clothes and food banks
- fuel vouchers.
Bills and money saving advice
A range of local and national organisations have published information and advice on how you can reduce your utilities costs.
- For advice on saving money on energy bills, read the Energy Saving Trust’s useful advice.
- For advice on reducing your water bills, read Affinity Water’s water saving advice.
- For reduced water bills for customers on low income, read more about Afinity Water's low income fixed tariffs.
- For advice on how to improve the efficiency of your home, read Action Surrey’s advice.
- For independent advice and to apply for grants for energy debt, visit the British Gas Energy Trust. This service is available for everyone, not just British Gas customers.
- If you are spending a lot of money on your broadband and phone contracts, check out a list of cheaper packages from Ofcom.
- To save money on fuel, use the petrol prices website to help you find the cheapest and nearest fuel.
- To save money on travel, many travel operators are offering discounts or capped travel deals. Subject to your situation, you may also be eligible for a free bus or travel pass. Visit Surrey County Council's website for more details.
- If you’re struggling with the cost of prescriptions, you can save money by buying an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate or through the NHS low income scheme.
- If you are struggling to afford the cost of period products, you can access free products at libraries across the borough. Surrey County Council is working with charity Binti International to provide free period products in library locations across Surrey. Website Sanitary Saver lists where to buy the cheapest sanitary items.
How to avoid and report energy scams
Scammers may sometimes contact you pretending to be from Ofgem. For example, a scammer might call saying they are from Ofgem, suggest you switch and then ask for your bank details. They might try to contact you by:
- knocking at your door
- phone call
- social media
- pop-up message on a website
- instant message
- text message.
These are energy scams. Ofgem would never sell you energy, ask for personal information or come to your property.