Choices4Energy

Choices4Energy is an energy advice centre offering free advice to help residents in the North Yorkshire Council area to save money on their energy bills.

The scheme is part of the White Rose Improvement Agency.

Collective energy switching

To help you get a better deal on your energy bills, we are working with switching partner iChoosr, which runs many energy switching schemes across the country. 

More information can be found on our collective energy switching in the North Yorkshire Council area here

Warm home discount scheme

This offers one-off grants to families and individuals on low incomes in the run-up to winter.

All major energy companies are required by the government to take part in the  scheme, which gives eligible customers a one-off grant towards their electricity bill or prepayment meter during the winter. 

Schemes are set to open from around August and the payment is expected to remain the same as previous years at £140.

Families on low incomes or benefits are encouraged to get ahead of the queue and register their interest now with the support of the Warm and Well in North Yorkshire project, which seeks to raise awareness of cold homes.

Although criteria for the grant vary according to the energy supplier, generally customers qualify automatically if they are in receipt of the guarantee element of Pension Credit. 

Households might also be eligible for the payment if they receive certain means-tested benefits or have an annual income of less than £16,190 and there is a child under five, someone with a disability, or someone elderly living at the property. In this case, residents have to apply for the £140.

Customers can either apply online via their electricity supplier or call them.  It is a good idea to get in quickly as some schemes are first-come-first-served and they will close the scheme when they have reached their maximum number of applicants.

Find out more about the warm home discount scheme on the Government website

Priority services register for older and disabled people

If you sign up to your supplier’s priority services register, you can get extra help and support with your energy supply.

You can sign up if you are:

  • a pensioner
  • disabled or chronically sick
  • have a hearing or visual impairment

Find out more about the priority service register on the Citizens Advice website

Oil buying cooperatives

We provide an oil-buying co-operative for residents in the Scarborough and Ryedale areas. Find out more about oil buying cooperatives here.

Gas Safe Charity grants scheme

This scheme provides preventative services that directly address the risks of death, injuries and illness caused by dangerous gas work and appliances and the promotion of gas safety awareness. Find out more on the Gas Safe Charity website.