If energy bills are stressing you out, you are not alone

Energy costs can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with health concerns, reduced income, or changes at home. If you are struggling, there are practical steps you can take right now, and there is support available.

This guide walks you through simple actions to reduce pressure, understand your options, and get the right help with energy bills.

1) Start with a quick check of what is driving the cost

Before making changes, it helps to understand what is happening.

A few quick questions:

• Has your monthly payment increased recently?
• Are you using more energy than before, for example, staying home more often?
• Is your home harder to heat, for example, due to draughts or older windows?
• Have you received a bill that seems much higher than expected?

If something looks wrong, note it down. Even a short record helps when you speak to someone for energy advice.

2) Simple changes that can reduce energy use

You do not need to do everything at once. Small steps can make a real difference.

Try one or two of these:

• Heat the rooms you use most and keep doors closed to hold warmth.
• Turn appliances fully off rather than leaving them on standby.
• Use energy-saving settings on washing machines and dishwashers, and run full loads where possible.
• Check for draughts around windows and doors and block them where you can.
• If you have a hot water cylinder, make sure it is insulated if appropriate.

If you are unsure what is realistic in your situation, getting personalised energy advice can help you focus on changes that suit your home and routine.

3) Do not ignore worries about debt or arrears

If you are falling behind on payments, it can feel tempting to avoid letters or emails. Try not to. Support is usually easier to access earlier rather than later.

A good next step is to ask for help with energy bills and discuss your situation clearly. Many people feel embarrassed, but financial pressure is common, and you deserve support.

4) Check if you might be missing out on extra support

A lot of people miss support simply because they do not know what they are entitled to.

This is where benefits and income support can make a big difference. A quick check may help you:

• Increase household income
• Reduce financial pressure
• Access the right support services

At Home From Hospital Care, we can help with income maximisation support so you can understand what help may be available and how to access it.

5) Keep your home safe while cutting costs

When bills rise, some people try to use heating less or rely on alternative ways to warm the home. Safety matters just as much as saving money.

Carbon monoxide is a serious risk in homes with gas appliances, fires, or boilers. Having an alarm in place is a simple step that can protect you and your household.

As part of our community support work, we can help with access to a free carbon monoxide alarm where available through funded projects.

6) When to ask for support

If you are worried about bills, feeling anxious, or not sure what steps to take next, the best move is to speak to someone who can guide you through it.

You do not need to have the perfect explanation. Even a simple message like “I am struggling and I need help” is enough.

How to get support from us

Complete our short online form and our team will call you back. We will listen, understand your situation, and provide practical energy advice and benefits and income support where appropriate.

If you are based in the West Midlands, our community team may be able to offer local guidance and connect you to the right support.

Call to action for the page:
Fill in the “Request Support” form and we will call you back.