Energy advice

Preston Citizens Advice - fuel related advice and help

Preston Citizens Advice have a project funded by British Gas to provide fuel related advice and support. They cover the whole of Lancashire, and can help with the following:

  • Advice on how to deal with fuel debt.
  • Energy saving tips and information on making your home more energy efficient.
  • Budgeting support and exploration of options to obtain additional funding such as the Warm Home Discount.
  • Help switching suppliers where there is a possibility of better tariffs.
  • Entering a Priority Register for vulnerable customers – e.g. those on low incomes, elderly customers, single parents, and those living with disabilities.
  • Information on Smart Meters.
  • Information and advice about carbon monoxide.

The team can help people negotiate fuel debt repayment, apply for grants to reduce or clear the arrears, or help to resolve disputes with energy suppliers. If you live in Lancashire and need help with any of these issues, you can contact the team by email at energysupport@prestoncitizensadvice.org.uk

Grants to help pay off your energy debts

If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off. A number of energy suppliers offer grants to their own customers. British Gas also has grants which are available to anyone with energy debt between £250 and £750 and you don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply.

You can find more information about grants to help pay off your energy debts on the Citizens Advice website.

Energy saving

If your boiler is broken, you have no heating or need help with home energy efficiency measures such as insulation visit the Cosy Homes in Lancashire (CHiL) website for more information or call 03306 061 488.  Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for free or discounted measures.

The government's Simple Energy Advice website has information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient. You can also call the Simple Energy Advice helpline on 0800 444 202.

These energy saving tips from British Gas and energy saving advice from Electricity North West can help you to reduce how much energy you use, and save you money.