Fuel, energy and utilities
On this page you can find help with:
Please note that when we signpost or refer to external organisations for services this is not an endorsement or a recommendation of an external organisation or private individual by South Cambridgeshire District Council. We encourage residents to carry out their own research to compare different service providers to best meet their needs.
Help with energy and water bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills or can't afford to heat your home, contact the Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP).
Email address: support@applyforleap.org.uk
Phone number: 0800 060 7567
LEAP also gives free help with:
- comparing different energy tariffs
- installing energy saving measures (like LED lightbulbs and radiator reflector panels)
- referrals to more complex energy saving measures.
Energy Efficiency Booklet
The energy efficiency booklet from Cambridgeshire County Council explains how we can use less energy at home to save money and help the environment. It gives simple tips, like turning off lights when you're not in the room, using energy-saving light bulbs, and keeping doors and windows closed when it's cold. The booklet also talks about how insulation helps keep houses warm, so we don't need to use as much heating. These small changes can make a big difference in saving energy and protecting the planet. The full information can be found in the digital booklet.
Water bills
Cheaper tariffs and flexible payment plans are available for water. For more information contact Anglian Water extra care support.
Discounted tariffs for those on a low-income are available through Cambridge Water. For more information visit their website.
See if you would save money by having a water meter installed by using the CCW water calculator.
Data and phone bills
You could switch to a social tariff if you’re struggling to afford your broadband or phone bills. Check the Ofcom website for more information.
Free data through Libraries' National Databank for low-income households aged 18 and above is available. In South Cambridgeshire, you can only get this offer at Cambourne Library and Bar Hill Library.
The free data (via a SIM card or data voucher) is for anyone over the age of 18 from a low-income household. You’ll need to self-declare as eligible, and the free data is available for up to 12 months.
Household Support Fund
If you need help with bills, please contact us via email at duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk. We can offer further support and refer you for the Household Support Fund.
Cold weather payment
You may get cold weather payments if you’re getting a government benefit. For more information, and to check if you are eligible, please visit the government website.
Grants
Energy supplier grants
Some energy suppliers have their own funds to help people in need. In some cases these funds are open to all, not just their own customers.
We would advise going through a local Citizens Advice Bureau for these grants, as a financial statement prepared by a Debt Advisor is needed as evidence of seeking debt advice.
You can find out more about some of these grants below:
Stay well heating grants
The stay well heating grants application process opens and closes based on when funds become available. You will need to be referred by us or another organisation.
Please read the eligibility criteria before completing our referral form below:
Apply for a financial support referral
Home improvements to save energy in your home
Up to date advice is available in the Home energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy upgrades booklet, which includes details on available funding for Cambridgeshire residents.
The government also offers a boiler upgrade grant scheme.
Cambridgeshire Home Improvement Agency
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Offers support to older and disabled residents to reduce their fuel costs by installing boilers
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give grants for a wide range of home improvements for people on a low income
- if you’re not eligible for a grant, they charge a small fee for people who struggle to organise this work themselves.
For more information, please visit their website.