Get help with heating and energy costs
If you are worried about paying for heating or energy, support is available. You can get help with heating oil costs, advice on reducing your energy bills, and information about payments you may be entitled to. You can also find warm spaces and community support across Somerset.
Find a warm space near you
Community hubs across Somerset offer practical support based on local needs. Many provide warm spaces during winter where anyone can drop in to keep warm, read, relax or meet other people.
Warm Welcome Spaces in Somerset libraries
All Somerset libraries are Warm Welcome Spaces. You can visit your local library to stay warm, use facilities and access support information.
Get help with heating oil costs
If you are struggling to pay for heating oil, help may be available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Contact Citizens Advice Somerset
Phone 0808 278 7842 and choose option 3. Leave your name and phone number and an adviser will call you back.
Opening times
- Monday and Friday: 10am to 4pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm
Heating oil eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in Somerset
- Use heating oil as your main heating source
- Have less than 300 litres of oil remaining
- Are at risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water
- Receive Universal Credit or Pension Credit, or can show you cannot afford a delivery
- Have limited savings
Get free energy advice
The Centre for Sustainable Energy provides free advice to help you:
- Reduce energy bills
- Improve your home’s energy efficiency
- Understand available support schemes
Contact the Centre for Sustainable Energy:
- Phone: 0800 082 2234
- Use the Centre for Sustainable Energy advice service
- Complete the Centre for Sustainable Energy contact form
Refer someone for support
Somerset Warm Connections helps people who are struggling with money, energy costs or keeping their homes warm.
If you work with or support someone who needs help, complete a referral through the Somerset Warm Connections Portal to arrange an appointment.
Help for older people
The Somerset Community Foundation runs the Surviving Winter Appeal. The appeal raises money to help older people in Somerset who are struggling to heat their homes.
- Learn about Somerset Community Foundation
- Find out about the Surviving Winter Appeal
National help with energy and heating costs
Government support with energy bills
Check GOV.UK for the latest information about government support with energy bills and living costs.
Cold Weather Payment
You may receive a Cold Weather Payment if
- The temperature in your area stays below a set level for a period of time
- You receive certain benefits.
Check if you can get a Cold Weather payment on GOV.UK.
Winter Fuel Payment
You may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs during winter.