Energy and bills

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

Gas and electric

• 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 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 warm home discount is a one-off payment of £150 towards your electricity bill or meter for people receiving Pension Credit, and for some households receiving certain means-tested benefits such as universal credit.
• 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, see more advice from Ofgem.

Water and sewage

• Portsmouth Water and Southern Water have support on their websites for those finding it difficult to keep up with their bills. They offer social tariffs at cheaper rates for people on low incomes. Portsmouth Water also offer payment breaks, payment matching plans if you’re in arrears, and other customisable payment plans to help those struggling to keep up with bills.
• If you think you’re paying too much for water, having a meter installed could lower your bill, suppliers will install these for free. Use the calculator to see if installing a water meter could save you money Water meter calculator – CCW
• Find water saving tips on the Switched on Portsmouth website.
• You could be eligible for a reduced water charge if you can’t have a water meter installed. This is common for buildings on a shared water supply such as high-rise buildings. Contact your supplier to find out if you’re eligible for assessed water charges

• 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.
• 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 Wi-Fi at more than 70 buildings around the city. My City Wifi is free superfast internet access without entering a password or any personal details

  Read a full list of My City Wifi sites, some of these are warm spaces too.