Keeping Yourself Warm

Switch Energy Supplier or Tariff 

By switching, energy customers can move to a new tariff offering better value for money, or to a new supplier for better customer service. 

Most energy customers are currently on a standard variable tariff and pay at a level set by the energy price cap for each kilowatt hour (kWh) they use. 

The best energy deal for you will depend on your usage and circumstances, so if you're thinking about switching it's important to make sure you get a deal that's right for you. 

You can assess the different deals from suppliers using an Ofgem-accredited price comparison website. For further information on how to compare and switch energy tariff or supplier when shopping around for a new energy deal visit - https://www. ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households 

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your energy supplier to check that you are on the cheapest tariff or discuss energy debt. 

 Your energy supplier is required to work with you to set up an affordable repayment plan and the sooner you contact them to let them know you're struggling, the quicker you can get help. 

Check your boiler 

Get your boiler serviced every year. It's best to do this ahead of winter, to make sure it doesn't break down when you need it most. To find a gas engineer, contact the Gas Safe Register (0800 408 5500, https://www. gassaferegister.co.uk/). 

If you rent, check if your landlord has arranged this. If you rent your home, by law landlords must carry out an annual safety check and provide you with a Gas Safety Certificate. 

If you are a homeowner and on certain benefits you may be eligible for a free annual gas safety check.

Contact your gas supplier to check your eligibility. If you smell gas call the 24-hour Gas Emergency Hotline on 0800 111 999. 

For further information on carbon monoxide safety, go to https://www. energy-uk.org.uk/customers/carbon-monoxide/

Join the Priority Services Register 

Make sure you've signed up to your energy supplier and network operator's Priority Service Register if you: 

 • are over State Pension age, 

 • have a disability, 

 • have a long-term illness, or sight or hearing loss, 

 • are in a vulnerable situation - for example, if you have a mental health condition, or would struggle to get to the door in an emergency. 

 This gives you access to free support and services. You will be given advance notice of planned power outages, and you might be offered alternative heating facilities if your supply is disrupted, and other welfare support. You may also be offered yearly gas safety checks on your boiler. 

If you have a power cut, call the national power cut phone line on 105 for free or visit https://www.powercut105.com/. 

Welcome Spaces

Welcome spaces are somewhere you can go to get warm, stay warm, access support and enjoy a little company. In some you'll also be able to get refreshments and food. 

With many people feeling the pressure because of increased energy costs and the rising cost of living, our Welcome Spaces Network aims to support residents by providing a free warm space, where you can stay for as long, or for as short a period as you wish (within their opening hours). 

Our Welcome Spaces initiative, have numerous locations across the borough that are providing a range of support and welcome space for residents. 

To find a welcome space near you visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/ welcomespaces.