Energy, water and broadband bills
Harrow Energy Advice and Support with the Cost-of-Living Project
This project offers a free service to households and eligible organisations to help reduce energy use and bills.
The service is managed by Groundwork London. They provide telephone, online and face to face visits with a qualified energy advisor, also known as a ‘Green Doctor’.
The Green Doctor
The Green Doctor can assess the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. They can identify cost saving measures to reduce bills. They can also help to:
- access the Warm Homes Discount or Priority Services Register
- apply for energy or water debt relief
- refer for the installation of larger energy saving measures if needed
- install free small efficiency measures, such as LED lightbulbs and draught proofing
Registered households that are having financial difficulties can also be supported, and referred to other service providers.
Register for a Green Doctor consultation
Alternatively, you can register by calling 0300 365 3005
To find out more about the Green Doctors and see them in action watch this video.
Voluntary, community and public sector organisations can get support to identify energy savings measures. To register an interest in having an energy audit as an organisation, please call 0300 365 3005.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
Money management taster workshop
To support Harrow residents manage the cost of living, a series of workshops will be run by TrainLondon.
TrainLondon is a training provider, experienced in giving accredited money management courses.
The workshops are an opportunity to explore cost saving ideas, effective budgeting and support to confidently manage personal finances.
The workshops are free. They will run until March 2025 for Harrow residents aged 18 and over.
Sign up for a Money Management Taster Workshop
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust provide information on how to:
- reduce energy use
- save money on bills
- install energy saving home improvements
Seasonal Health Intervention Network (SHINE)
The Council has teamed up with SHINE, the Seasonal Health Intervention Network. SHINE is a fuel poverty referral network. It is a free service for Londoners who are over 60, on a low income, have a disability or long term illness, or have children.
For further details visit Shine-London.org.uk
Winter fuel payments
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600. For more details see Winter Fuel Payment.
Water tariffs
You may qualify for a lower water tariff if you are:
- getting certain benefits
- have a household income below £16,480
- have a water meter and use more water due to having a large family or medical condition
Find out more from Affinity Water
Social Tariffs for broadband and mobile phones
If you are getting Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, you might qualify for cheaper broadband and mobile phone deals. Some deals are as low as £10 per month.
To find out if you or someone you know qualify, see OFCOM
Energy Saving Advice
You can save energy by making small changes to your home and habits. These can have a big impact in saving you money, and lower your carbon footprint.
Here are some changes you can make without spending a penny:
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping. Make sure that your curtains don't block radiators as this will stop heat flowing into the room.
- Don't leave appliances on stand-by.
- Turning your thermostat down by 1 °C can cut your bills by up to 10%. Most rooms temperatures should be around 18 °C. The living room that should be set at 21 °C. For vulnerable people and small children keep room temperatures at 21 °C.
- Switch off lights when you leave a room. Energy saving bulbs can save you up to £8 per year per bulb compared to traditional ones. Residents getting benefits can get two free bulbs from the council.
- Wash your clothes at 30 °C instead of 40 °C. This uses a third less electricity.
- Only boil the amount of water that you need when using the kettle.
- Check to see if you are eligible to receive a grant for your home.