How can you stay warm this winter?

As winter approaches, your thoughts may be turning not just to when to turn the heating on, but if you can afford it or not.

New research from uSwitch has found that more than two million households don’t plan to turn their central heating on this winter because of high energy bills.

That’s a 22% increase on last year and includes one in 20 households with younger children.

What will struggling households do to stay warm?

Almost half (45%) of those who aren’t planning to switch their heating on this winter are instead looking at other ways to keep warm, such as:

• wearing extra layers
• hot water bottles
• heated blankets

Meanwhile, one in five (21%) intend to use alternatives like:

• portable heaters
• log burners
• open fires

Meanwhile, two-fifths of households (43%) say they’ll only turn the heating on if they’re too cold, while a third (30%) will just heat a few rooms in their home.

Speak to your energy supplier

If you're worried about paying for heating this winter, then get in touch with your energy supplier.

“Spending winter in a cold home can be bad for your health, and people are advised to set their thermostats to between 18°C and 21°C even when trying to save money,” said Will Owen of uSwitch.

“Please don’t suffer alone. 

“Reach out to your energy supplier, who may be able to offer advice and support.”

You may be able to apply for a grant or hardship fund from your supplier, or get emergency credit if you’re on a prepayment meter.

It could also be worth joining the Priority Services Register for extra support.

What other support can I get?

You might also be able to get help from national and local government.

Household support fund (HSF)

You may be able to get extra help with energy costs and food through your local council via the HSF.

You can apply for the HSF through your local council.  

Warm home discount

The warm home discount is a one-off discount on your electricity bill. It’s applied automatically if you're eligible so there’s no need to apply.

Winter fuel payment

If you’ve reached state pension age, you could receive:

• £200 (under 80)
• £300 (80 or over)

For more information on steps to take if you’ve fallen behind with your gas and electricity bill payments, read our guide on what to do about energy arrears.

We’ve also put together some tips on keeping costs down when temperatures drop, such as insulating your home, sealing draughts and bleeding your radiators.