Energy costs
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, you should speak to your energy provider as soon as possible. Under rules from regulator Ofgem, your supplier must help you – usually by negotiating a payment plan that you can afford.
Find out more about energy bill advice.
Welcoming Spaces
There are locations across the borough which will provide a warm, safe and welcoming location for residents to go during the winter months. We are continually adding to the list of welcoming spaces, so please check back regularly for updates. We've funded 10 new spaces this year, with a share of £100,000.
- Caletock Estate Residents Association sponsored by Emergency Exit Arts
- Samuel Montague Youth Centre
- Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency - Woolwich Front Room
- Charlton Athletic Community Trust - Hawksmoor Youth Hub
- Roots4Life
- Javan Coker Foundation
- Shrewsbury House
- Emmaus
- Greenwich Coalition for Equality and Human Rights
- African Smile
We'll be releasing more information soon.
Welcoming Spaces you can visit this winter.
If you can provide a warm space in Royal Greenwich, please email cost-of-living@royalgreenwich.gov.uk so that we can understand the details of what you are providing and include it in our directory.
Stay Warm Stay Safe
If you are having problems paying your winter fuel bills, you could get support including a free advice on fuel bills, a room thermometer and flu jab, through our Stay Warm Stay Safe scheme.
South East London Community Energy Co-op
You could get free energy advice at a local café through the South East London Community Energy (SELCE) organisation. You can visit the drop in Energy Café at The Woolwich Centre library every Tuesday afternoon 12noon to 3pm, no appointments needed. You can also pre-book a spot at the new energy café at the Forum At Greenwich.
Get advice and support on energy through SELCE.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The money is not paid to you, it’s a one-off £150 discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024. If you are eligible but this hasn't been paid. You can contact them on 0800 030 9322.
Check if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Forced prepayment meters
Ofgem have adapted rules around the forced fitting of prepayment meters when households are in fuel debt. This means they can not be fitted if:
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Households with a very elderly or young occupant , (over 75 years or under two)
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Household requires a continuous supply for health reasons, including dependency on any powered medical equipment.
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Medical dependency on a warm home
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Households with chronic and severe or terminal health conditions
Get advice on forced prepayment meters.
Cost of living payments 2023 to 2024
Cost of living payments will be available for those who are in receipt of a low income, in receipt of some benefits, disabled or a pensioner.
Check to see if you are eligible for a cost of living payment.
Water Sure and WaterHelp schemes
If you are on a low-income, have a large family to support, or a water-dependent medical condition, you can get help through Thames Water’s WaterSure and WaterHelp schemes.
Apply for a discount through Thames Water.
Make your home more energy efficient
You could get help from an energy supplier to make your home more energy efficient and save on your bills.