UK households who lost Winter Fuel Payment handed £330 off energy bill

Costs are set to increase from October 1 as the price cap increases by 10 per cent, with Ofgem increasing the cap to £1717.

UK households missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment can save hundreds on energy bills this winter. Costs are set to increase from October 1 as the price cap increases by 10 per cent, with Ofgem increasing the cap to £1717.

Home Energy Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Government, has pulled together a series of tips that can help beat the bills by up to £330 per year. Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland, said: "If you need help to stay warm this winter, we encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible. Our local advisors can tell you about ways to make your home warmer and more affordable to heat – not all energy saving measures are expensive and time consuming.

"They can also explore funding available, check if you’re eligible for any benefits and they can give you specialist advice if you need additional support." The Scottish Government says try turning your thermostat down by one degree, which could save you around £90 a year.

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According to the World Health Organisation, the lowest comfortable temperature for most people is between 18C and 21C. If you can go from 21 to 18 degrees, you could save £260. It also urged households to consider timing their showers because swapping to four-minute showers could save £25 a year per person.

And remember to switch off vampire appliances and guzzlers which are consuming plenty of energy. You can switch off most appliances without disrupting their programming but, if you’re not sure, check the manual, the government said.

It comes after £300 payments from the new Labour Party government and DWP - the Winter Fuel Allowance - were canned. North of the border, the Scottish government has been forced to mirror the move too, amid the Cost of Living crisis.