Fuel Poverty and Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, your home is cold and you have a low income, you may be eligible to help from one of the following organisations (eligibility conditions apply).

First steps

It's always worth contacting your energy supplier first as they may have support schemes available. 

If your energy supplier is unable to help, contact Citizens Advice (opens new window) or call 0808 223 1133. They should be able to check what options you have and ensure you are receiving all the benefits available to you.

ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme Flex

ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme Flex supports low income and vulnerable households through the government's ECO scheme to upgrade the energy efficiency of the least energy efficient homes in the country.

We are working in partnership with EDF (scheme provided by 0800 Repairs) to support residents to access measures such as insulation, boiler upgrades, first time central heating system and so on.

Eligibility criteria:

• annual household income of less than £31,000 a year and/or
• a permanent resident of your home has a qualifying medical condition and/or
• you, or any permanent resident of your home, is receiving a qualifying benefit

If you think you qualify, please contact 0800 Repairs on 0191 3000 630.

For further information on ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme view our Help to Heat statement of Intent (PDF, 206 KB)(opens new window) published under the ECO Local Authority Flexible Eligibility Scheme. 

Local energy advice demonstrator

You can now access free in-home support for expert advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your carbon emissions.

Delivered by the Energy Saving Trust in partnership with Groundwork North East, this support is available to all Gateshead residents.

Apply or find out more on the Energy Advice North East website (opens new window).

Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)

Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) offers Gateshead residents a free of charge service to reduce energy usage.

• LEAP's appliance scheme (opens new window) can provide residents with white goods and energy-efficient appliances. View the eligibility criteria (opens new window).
• Through Connected for Warmth (opens new window), LEAP can also refer eligible clients for further funded energy improvements, such as insulation and efficient heating systems to the private rented sector and owner occupiers.

Visit the Leap website (opens new window) to check if you are eligible for help or call 0800 060 7567.

Age UK Gateshead

Age UK Gateshead offers fuel and energy support to anyone over the age of 50 in Gateshead. Funded by Warm Homes, this support includes:

• home energy checks - home visits to install energy efficiency measures such as low-energy lightbulbs, timers, and door insulation
• benefit entitlement checks
• fuel voucher provision (for residents with a balance of £5 or under on meter)
• signposting to other service e.g. friendship and common interest groups
• digital inclusion support - helping residents to access online fuel bills, use smart meter apps/home displays if desired

To arrange a home visit, phone 0191 477 3559 or email advice@ageukgateshead.org.uk 

Northumbrian Water

Northumbrian Water have a range of support schemes such as payment plans, low income discounts and advice on saving water available to residents struggling to pay their bills.
 
Find out more on the Northumbrian Water website (opens new window).