Fuel Poverty Awareness Day: supporting you this winter

Today we’re supporting Fuel Poverty Awareness Day to raise awareness of the problem of fuel poverty and encourage customers to reach out for support if you are struggling to heat your home.

With temperatures dropping this winter and energy costs rising, we want you to know we’re here to support you and give advice if you are finding it hard to manage day-to-day energy costs or facing other financial worries.

Call our specialist teams on 0161 393 7117 or email servicecentre@fcho.co.uk for help with:

Accessing the government's Warm Home Discount Scheme

Our Community Impact team can help you find out if you’re eligible for £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 to 2022 under the government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.

The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

Switching energy supplier

Our Community Impact team can help you find energy tariffs that are appropriate for your needs and help keep your bills down. Switching energy supplier is easier than you think and you don’t need to worry about losing power; you won’t be without gas or electricity at any point. 

Paying your rent and charges

Our team is here to provide you with tailored support and advice to pay your rent and charges this winter, so do get in touch as early as possible if you need our help.

If you’ve been affected by any changes and you need to adjust the method or frequency of your payment, we’re here to help. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible and we can work together to stop any debts from escalating.

Making the most of your money

If you’re struggling financially our Community Impact team can help you get on top of what you owe and make the money you have go further.

They can provide:

• Advice on making the most of your money, reducing debt and accessing benefits
• Access to The Bread and Butter Thing affordable food offer so you have more money to spend on other necessities like paying rent and bills.

Employment advice

Our Directions team is here to give you support if you’re looking for work and advice to move your career forward if you’re in employment.

Kelly Webb, Operations Director Customer First, said: “Every home should be a warm and safe place but we know that for many households in Oldham, managing everyday energy costs is a struggle. The cost of living is rising, energy bills are soaring and people on the lowest incomes have been affected by other changes this year. We care about our customers and want to open up the conversation around fuel poverty and encourage customers who need advice or assistance to get in touch with us so we can help.”