Cutting down on bills
Council support to help lower your bills
We’re working with partners across south London to make energy-saving improvements easier and more affordable. Support includes:
- grants for home upgrades like insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels
- help for vulnerable households to stay warm and healthy in winter
- community energy funds for local solar projects and energy improvements
More than 5,100 Lewisham households have already received help to cut heating costs and improve comfort.
Simple ways to save energy at home
Small actions can lead to real savings. Many are low-cost or free:
- switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs
- block draughts around doors and windows
- turn off lights and appliances when not in use
- use radiator reflector panels to keep heat in
- set your thermostat to a steady temperature
- wash clothes at cooler temperatures and dry them outside when possible
- borrow a thermal camera to find where heat escapes
These steps can lower bills and make your home more comfortable.
Bigger upgrades for long-term savings
Funding and advice are available for larger improvements that save money over time and boost property value:
- insulate walls, lofts, and floors
- install efficient boilers or switch to heat pumps
- add solar panels on your own or with neighbours, to generate your own clean energy
- upgrade windows and doors to reduce heat loss
We've received government funding to make council homes more energy efficient and are helping more households. Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and the Mayor of London’s Warmer Homes programme, residents can apply for grants of up to £25,000 (eligibility applies). The Warmer Homes application portal is expected to reopen in spring 2026.
Get advice and support
- visit the Energy Saving Trust for more tips
- if you're struggling with bills, visit our Cost-of-Living pages for extra support
- if you're a resident with long-term health conditions or energy bill concerns, you can get free advice from South East London Community Energy