Energy and bills

Make sure you’re not paying more than you need on bills and everyday costs, like gas, electricity and daily essentials. The information on this page will help you get started.

Gas and electric

Energy companies sometimes offer additional support to customers. Contact your energy supplier to see what help they offer.

• Switched On Portsmouth offer help and advice about free energy and money saving schemes that can help you make your home warmer, cut energy costs and reduce carbon. Visit the Switched On Portsmouth website or call the team for free on 0800 260 5907.
• The Energy Saving Trust has quick tips on saving energy and advice on reducing your fuel bills.
• The government’s Help for Households campaign has information and guidance on the support on offer if you are struggling to pay bills.
• If you can’t afford to pay your bill or top up your meter, get advice from Ofgem.

Water and sewage

Portsmouth Water and Southern Water both offer extra support if you are struggling to pay your water bills.

Southern Water’s Hardship Fund offers extra support to eligible customers, including:

• Payment breaks and bill reductions
• Crisis food voucher – up to £200
• Grants to help with moving from ‘homeless to home’
• White goods grant

Contact the Hardship team at Southern Water to talk about options:

• Call: 0800 027 0800
• Email: heretohelp@southernwater.co.uk
• Get more help with your Southern Water bill

Portsmouth Water offer free debt advice, social tarrifs and priority services for vulnerable customers.

• Get help with your Portsmouth Water bill.

If you think you’re paying too much for water, having a water meter could lower your bill, suppliers will install these for free.

• Find out more about water meters and how they could save you money.
• Get water saving tips on the Switched On Portsmouth website.

• Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. Contact your provider to find out more.
• Some internet providers offer affordable broadband and TV options for low-income families. Contact you provider directly or visit U-Switch (link opens in a new tab) to help you find the best deal.
• You could get free mobile data through the National Databank scheme, it’s like a foodbank but for mobile data. Find out whether you’re eligible for free mobile data. You can also drop in to any O2 store and ask for the National Databank.
• If you can’t afford the cost of your broadband or mobile phone, Money Saving Expert can tell you how to get a better deal.
• Get online and stay connected for free with My City WiFi at more than 70 buildings around the city. Free, superfast internet access, no password or personal details needed. View My City Wifi locations, some of these are warm spaces too.