Energyworks - our Energy Advice Service
Energyworks is a partnership project between Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove and Brighton & Hove Energy Services Coop (BHESCo).
We provide a free and impartial advice service to Brighton and Hove residents experiencing fuel poverty.
We can help with understanding energy bills, making sure you’re not paying more than you should and negotiating with your supplier. We can help you reduce your energy use, and make your home warmer and more energy-efficient. We can make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you are eligible for, and provide advice on other energy-related issues.
How to contact Energyworks
Call the Energyworks voicemail service on 0333 090 9150. Leave us a message and we will aim to call you back the same day.
Or you can send us an email at: energyworks@cabrightonhove.org
Free and cheap tips to reduce energy costs
- Turning down the thermostat by 1 degree Celsius – £145 saved (in a year)
- Turning appliances off rather than leaving them on standby – £65 saved
- Ensuring lights are switched off when leaving the room – £25 saved
- Not overfilling the kettle when boiling water – £13 saved
- Use your washing machine on a 30C max temperature cycle – £30 saved
- Only run your dishwasher when it is full – £30 saved
- Close curtains at the end of the day to stop heat escaping through the windows
- Make sure leaking taps are fully turned off
- Set thermostats on hot water tanks to 60C – this is likely inside a cupboard
Free and cheap tips to keep your house cool in the summer
- Keep your windows shut during the day to keep hot air out
- Hang a wet sheet in front of an open window to cool the warm air as it enters your home
- Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the air
- Have a quick cool shower before bed
- Fill a hot water bottle with cold water and put it in the freezer a few hours before bed. Put it in the bed before you go to sleep
- Block gaps around doors to keep hot air out
Local and National Grant Schemes
Help with essential items – Brighton & Hove City Council Local Discretionary Social Fund
Fully funded energy efficiency measures for Owner/Occupiers or Private Renters – Warmer Homes LAD programme, open until September 2023, private renters require a financial contribution from their landlord
Energy Bills Support Scheme – for people who did not automatically receive it (open until 31st May 2023)
Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme – Property-owners only
Energy supplier financial support schemes
British Gas Energy Trust – customers of other energy suppliers listed below can also apply. Open to prepayment meter customers only
EON/EON Next Energy Fund – Grants to help with energy bills, or to replace a broken appliances such as a cookers
EDF Support Fund – Grants to help with energy bills and white goods. Applicants must have received debt advice to apply
Octopus Octo Assist Fund – Grants to help with energy bills. Requires applicant to submit budget
Scottish Power Hardship Fund – Grants to help with energy bills. Applicants must contact a debt advice agency such as StepChange first, to ask for debt advice and eligibility
Shell Energy Helpfund – debt write-offs for those struggling to pay their energy bills
Bulb Energy Fund – Grants to help with energy bills and debt write-offs up to £2000. Partnership with Citizens Advice Plymouth, offering advice and info on energy issues
OVO Winter Support Package – Grants available to OVO Energy, Boost and SSE Energy Services customers
Utility Warehouse Hardship Fund – Partnership with Plymouth Citizens Advice providing advice and grants
Useful Info and Links
Energy price cap explained – Ofgem
Get help from your supplier: Priority Services Register – Ofgem
Cost of Living Payment – UK Government
How to read your energy meter – Citizens Advice
How to understand your energy bill – Energy Saving Trust
Switching energy supplier – Citizens Advice
Warm Home Hacks – Energy Saving Trust
Fixing damp and condensation – Energy Saving Trust
Keeping warm and fire advice – Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove
How to contact BHESCo (Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative)
BHESCo (Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative) provides free home visits to look at your energy use. They may be able to fit energy-saving measures.
Telephone: 0800 999 6671
Email: info@bhesco.co.uk
Website: www.bhesco.co.uk
