Citizens Advice North Herts is offering advice on how you can save money on your energy bill

With the cost of energy causing many people to worry, we would usually suggest switching to a better deal.

However, the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t a lot of good deals out there. There are still other small ways you can keep your bills down though.

Little everyday things can help, such as making sure televisions and other electronic devices are switched off and not left on standby; washing clothes on a lower temperature; and only filling the kettle with the water you need.

Turning down your main thermostat by one degree can save you around £60 on your energy bill. And spending one minute less in the shower each day can help too. A family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills this way. The Government’s Simple Energy Advice website has more tips like this.

One way of cutting costs in the long-run is to invest in good insulation if you can afford to. If you’re renting, ask your landlord about this. Or you may be able to get financial support to help insulate your home under the Energy Company Obligation scheme.

Contact your energy supplier for more information. If you’re in a household that’s not connected to the gas grid you may also be able to receive help under the Home Upgrade Grant scheme through your local authority.

The Government recently announced a £500m fund to Local Authorities to support households this winter so keep a look out for announcements about how this could help you.

There’s some financial support available for paying your energy bills, depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a pensioner with a low income, or you receive Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits, you may be entitled to the Warm Home Discount. This gives you £140 a year to go towards your bills.

Check the Government website www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment to find out if you can claim it, or call us on 0800 144 8848 (10am-4pm Monday-Friday).

Remember you can always call our consumer helpline on 0808 2231133 for free advice about your energy costs and staying warm this winter