Living in the countryside can present many different challenges, but this is especially true when it comes to energy. Rural communities often suffer disproportionately from a lack of choice or access to services, and recent research by Citizens Advice found that the main areas with the coldest and unhealthiest homes (those with the lowest energy efficiency ratings) are in rural areas. Fuel shortages are also a big concern, with around 1 in 7 households in rural England struggling to pay to heat their homes.
Part of our work in the Rural Issues Group is to identify and highlight the issues surrounding the delivery of advice to rural areas, and it is clear that there is a need for nuanced and tailored advice and support for rural consumers. As part of the project, we have developed this basic energy advice booklet aimed at energy consumers in rural areas. Recent Citizens Advice research has found that the areas with the most 'cold and unhealthy' homes (the least efficient) were all in rural areas.
Tackling energy efficiency through behavior change, but also finding out if you're eligible for changes to your house, such as free insulation, will help make your home a warm, healthy environment and one that costs less to heat. Tank thermostats are usually mounted between a quarter and a third of the way up the hot water tank. When washing, try to load the machine, dryer or dishwasher.
This includes the Carbon Saving Communities Obligation (CSCO), which helps provide insulation to all households in certain postcode areas or to low-income households in rural areas.
Check you are getting all the benefits and help you are
Some people receiving benefits can also get a Cold Weather Payment of £25 if the temperature drops below freezing in their local area for seven consecutive days. You do not need to apply - if you are eligible, it will be paid automatically in the same way you receive your benefits. The rebate was £140 for 2015/16 and you should contact your electricity supplier directly to see if you can qualify next year.
You can get free solid fuel or a fuel cash allowance if you are a former employee of the National Coal Board (NCB) or British Coal Corporation (BCC). You must be eligible to receive fuel allowance through the National Concessional Fuel Scheme (NCFS) and you can only receive the cash compensation if you are already receiving fuel through the scheme. You may be eligible for the supplement if you are the widow or widower of a former employee if the employee qualifies for NCFS.
Does your previous supplier owe you money?
Switching
Things to consider before you switch
Choosing the right tariff
Things to remember when switching
Compare tariffs from different suppliers
Once you’ve found a tariff that suits you, you can switch online or by calling the
Switching to a new supplier should take no more than 21 days
The new supplier should contact you to tell you what day your supply should be switched
Bear in mind that some tariffs will require you to sign a contract for a set period of time, and
Changing your mind about switching supplier
Problems switching
Smart meters
Priority Services Registers
Off-gas
Off-gas: top tips
The Solid Fuel Association (SFA) represents suppliers and distributors of solid fuel, mainly coal and wood fuel. UK LPG is the trade association for the liquefied petroleum gas industry and has a Vulnerable Persons Protocol. If you have a problem with your fuel or electricity supplier or are struggling with your energy bills, contact Citizens Advice for help and information.
It is very important for safety and insurance purposes that you have your boiler and tank. Leaks can occur from oil tanks and can be costly in terms of fuel loss. So it is best to protect yourself from possible losses. If you have an oil tank, make sure it is covered by your home insurance.
By having a well-insulated home with efficient appliances, you can make sure you only use the amount of fuel you really need. Make sure your attic space and walls are insulated where possible and try to buy the most efficient you can afford when buying new appliances. In some cases support is available to help with the cost of insulation, see the Energy Saving Trust website for more details (www.energysavingtrust. org.uk).
Heat pumps or biomass boilers can provide cheaper heating than conventional heating, provided you have insulated your home first. Although these systems are expensive to install, you should be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive. For oil tanks you can install a tank lock and an alarm that activates if the oil is running too fast (see the Oilsave website for more details www.oilsave.org.uk).
If you use electricity to heat your home with storage heaters, check you have the right tariff to make sure you don't pay too much. Storage heaters should use cheaper electricity (generally overnight) to charge and then release the stored heat during the day. Use online trading tools to find out if you could get a better deal.
Oil clubs
Buying oil
Setting up an oil club
The advantage of an oil club can be that the collective nature of the club can help keep costs down, even if the amount of oil you buy is small. However, it is good to remember that a member may encounter a time when they find it difficult to pay for their share and it is important to decide in advance how it will be managed. Your local Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Website and other organizations such as ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) will have more information and support on how to start an oil club.
Where can I find more information?
Energy Saving Trust www.energysavingtrust.org.uk The Energy Saving Trust is an organization that helps people save energy and reduce carbon. Its website has a range of tools and resources to help communities save energy and also offers advice tailored to community groups. ESAS is part of the Energy Saving Trust and runs a dedicated telephone service providing impartial energy saving advice for homes and businesses.
Center for Sustainable Energy www.cse.org.uk The Center for Sustainable Energy is a charity that promotes sustainable energy, including advice on energy conservation. There are many useful information sheets, many available in different languages, on his website. This is a helpline for people on lower incomes who struggle to pay their energy bills and keep warm in the winter.
The Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) network consists of local organizations that support and enable initiatives in rural communities. Please visit the ACRE website for more information, including contact details of your nearest ACRE member.
Useful energy numbers
Energy advice and supplier contact list
Citizens Advice numbers
Notes
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