Feeling comfortable and knowledgeable about your energy and water supplies is important for your financial wellbeing.
We work hard to ensure that your home is running as efficiently as possible, so you get the most out of your utilities.
Energy
If your tenancy started after October 2008, please contact us to find out the energy efficiency of your home.
This shows two things:
- Your energy efficiency rating
- The environmental impact rating (the estimated CO2 emissions)
We can let you know what your home’s energy efficiency is.
Switching to an alternative energy supplier
Now might not be the best time to switch. Energy prices are set to rise regularly. High energy costs mean fewer deals are available right now. To see what deals available check on the energylinx website – (others comparison sites are available).
Reduce energy consumption to save
You can save money on your energy bills by making some simple changes. Check out our ‘living green’ area to find out more.
Learn about tips and tricks to help reduce your energy costs.
Here are some handy tips on how you can save energy:
| Changes to make | Potential annual savings |
| Swap a bath a week for a shower | £7 |
| Reduce dishwasher usage | £10 |
| Turn off the lights when not needed | £14 |
| Use 30 degree setting on the washing machine | £20 |
| Only boil enough water in the kettle | £22 |
| Reduce drafts around door and windows | £30 |
| Don’t leave electronics on standby – switch them off | £40 |
| Avoid the tumble dryer | £40 |
| Reduce heating by 1 degree | £55 |
Take control of the temperatures in your home
- Use your heating controls, such as thermostats and timers, to heat your home without wasting energy.
- Make sure you keep your living room (or the room you use most) warm during the day while you’re at home at 21°C (70°F) and heat your bedroom to 18°C (64°F) before you go to bed.
- Don’t forget if you don’t need it, turn your heating off when you go to bed.
- If you can reduce these temperatures by an average of 1oC you could save £55 a year.
- If there are rooms you don’t use, like a spare bedroom, turn off the radiators in them and close the doors.
Set the thermostatic radiator valves (TRV)
As with your room thermostat, you should set the radiator thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) in each room at a low level, then gradually turn them up until the room’s left at a comfortable temperature. Turning a TRV to a higher setting will not make the room heat up any faster – that depends on the boiler size and setting, and the radiator size. All it will do is keep heating the room until it’s at the temperature designated by the TRV.
Keep radiators and heaters clear so hot air can circulate
Don’t forget to draw your curtains when its dark and tuck them behind radiators to minimise heat loss. And don’t forget if you are away from your home turn the thermostat off.
Energy help and support for low income and vulnerable households
Warm Home Discount Scheme – You could get £140 off your electricity bill . The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.
Winter Fuel Payment – If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
You usually do not need to claim Winter Fuel Payment – you’ll get it automatically if you’re eligible.
If you have not got a Winter Fuel Payment before, you only need to claim if any of the following apply:
- You do not get benefits or a State Pension
- You only get Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit
- You get benefits or a State Pension but live in Switzerland or an EEA country
- If you have got a Winter Fuel Payment before, you only need to claim if since your last payment you have either:
- Deferred your State Pension
- Moved to Switzerland or an EEA country
Go to the following Government site for more information about the Winter Fuel Payment or call 0800 731 0160.
Water
Check to see if you can reduce you water bill and maybe consider a water meter. If United Utilities cannot install a water meter they may be able to place you on a reduce / assumed tariff.
If you have a cold-water supply, it must meet the quality standards set in the Water Supply Regulations 2000.
The Drinking Water Inspectorate conduct regular quality tests so it’s useful to prevent bacterial growth and contamination of your water wherever you can. You can do this by following the advice below:
- If you have a domestic hot water cylinder in your home, please make sure to keep the thermostat set to 60ºc as bacteria can multiply at lower temperatures
- If you’re away from home for a long period of time, like a holiday or hospital stay, your water may deteriorate.
- When you get home, heat up your system to your normal temperature, open each tap, and run for at least five minutes. Cold taps should be flushed until the water runs cold.
- You can also clean tap sprouts by wiping with a dilute bleach solution and dislodge heavily scaled or contaminated taps using a nylon brush.
- It’s also vital to clean your shower head regularly (if you have one), and make sure that a hose-retaining ring is fitted to prevent the shower head falling into your bath water. Please do not use rubber push-on shower hoses on bath taps.
If you’re looking to save money on your water bills, United Utilities has lots of options. You can save £5 each year if you set up a direct debit payment plan.
If you have a water meter call 0345 672 2999, and if you don’t have one then call 0345 672 2888.
You’ll can also save another £5 a year for paperless billing, which is also amazing for the environment.
If you receive pension credit, then United Utilities also have a scheme called ‘Help to Pay’ which caps your bills at £250. Alongside this, there is an Arrears Allowance Scheme to support you in getting back on track with paying your bills. Call them direct on 0800 072 6765 to find out more.
Lastly, they have a trust fund to help people meet other essential bills, household needs, or priority debts, like energy, gas and electric bills. Speak to them on 0845 179 1791 to complete the application form.
You can also save money on your water bills by incorporating some environmentally friendly practices into your everyday life. We have tons of tips in our ‘living green’ section.
We are here to help. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your energy or water supply, please contact us.
