Energy Finance

River Clyde Homes is urging tenants to seek early support from its Financial Wellbeing Team as energy bills are forecast to increase this summer.

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Energy and Financial Support from River Clyde Homes

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that the Energy Price Cap will rise by 13% from 1 July 2026, adding around £221 a year to the average household bill. With many households already feeling the pressure of rising living costs, River Clyde Homes Financial Wellbeing Team and our Heat & Energy Team are on hand to support customers navigating the changes. 

The Finance Team offers free, confidential advice and practical assistance to help tenants manage energy costs and maximise their income. This includes fuel poverty guidance, energy saving advice, benefits and welfare checks, budgeting support and help with debt. They can also arrange emergency assistance such as Fuel Bank vouchers for customers on pre-payment meters, along with foodbank referrals where needed.

Where specialist energy advice is required, the team will refer customers to appropriate external energy advice services for energy support, including:

  • Crisis intervention and advocacy with energy suppliers
  • Help accessing schemes such as fuel vouchers, hardship grants, and the Priority Services Register
  • Guidance on reducing energy costs through behavioural changes and appliance use
  • Advice on heating system operation to maintain an effective heating regime
  • Support with meter readings, billing, and understanding tariffs
  • Advice on switching energy suppliers or tariffs
  • Information and guidance on smart meters

Crucially, customers do not need to be in financial crisis to access support. Early engagement is encouraged, with staff able to help households identify available funding, apply for benefits, and improve their overall financial resilience before winter pressures hit. 

A wide range of financial help schemes is available, and the Financial Wellbeing Team can guide customers through eligibility and applications. These include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction and Scottish Welfare Fund Disability Benefits. Additional support may also be available through energy supplier hardship funds and the Fuel Bank Foundation. 

Seasonal payments can also provide valuable relief. As the season shifts to Autumn and Winter, the Warm Home Discount offers a £150 reduction on electricity bills, while Winter Heating Payment, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and Child Winter Heating Payment provide targeted support for low-income households, older residents and families with disabled children. Many of these payments are applied automatically, but some require applications - which is something the River Clyde Homes Financial Wellbeing team can assist with. 

Alongside financial help, customers are being encouraged to take simple steps to reduce energy use and lower bills. Small changes such as lowering a thermostat by one degree, using LED lighting, only boiling the water needed, and maintaining appliances like freezers can all make a difference. Reporting issues such as draughts, damp or poor insulation early can also help prevent higher costs later. 

Customers are also reminded that they can choose their energy supplier and may benefit from checking whether they are on the best tariff available, as switching providers or plans could lead to further savings. 

Inverclyde residents can also access wider community support through advice services and local initiatives. These include Inverclyde energy advice services, the WattWise project, and The Wise Group’s HEAT programme, all of which offer guidance on reducing consumption and managing energy costs. “Warm Spaces” are also available across the area, providing free, safe, heated environments with access to food, activities and community support. 

River Clyde Homes continues to work with partners to expand support services, including access to energy vouchers through the Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT) Fuel Fund and advocacy support for those in crisis. 

Our team is here to provide practical, tailored help for our customers - whether that’s checking benefit entitlement, accessing emergency support, or making homes more energy efficient. We encourage anyone who is worried about rising costs to get in touch as early as possible. 

Customers can access support by calling 01475 788887 or speaking to their housing officer. 

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