Welcome to our monthly update on the latest grants, support and tips to make homes healthier and lower energy bills where possible.

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Details of our free, expert, independent, one-to-one energy advice service for residents of South East London can be found here.

Quick Tips on Managing Carbon Monoxide Risks in the Home

💡 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas often called the ‘silent killer’, produced when fuel-burning appliances like gas boilers, cookers, heaters, fires, or generators are faulty, poorly installed, or badly maintained.

💡 Signs of its presence in the home include yellow or orange gas flames, excess condensation, and soot or staining around appliances.

💡 Symptoms in people range from headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness to collapse or loss of consciousness. These symptoms would only mainly occur inside the home.

💡 Carbon monoxide alarms are essential for early detection and should be placed 1–3 metres from appliances, regularly tested, and replaced every 5–10 years. If CO is suspected, you should turn off the gas supply and appliances, ventilate the property, leave immediately, and contact emergency services.

💡 Regular annual gas safety checks by qualified engineers are also important to prevent exposure.

💡 Read our full guide on the Selce website - including where to put alarms, how to check them and options around gas safety checks.

Other Updates and Energy News

Energy suppliers reduce fixed tariff deals

• Several energy suppliers in the UK have pulled their fixed tariff deals because of the situation in the middle east and the spike in gas and oil prices.

• The number of fixed deals more than halved in the beginning of March, and those still available have risen in price.

• The number of fixed tariffs reduced from 38 on Saturday 28th February to 15 on Thursday the 5th March, while the price range for those tariffs has climbed from a range of £1,509-£1,898 to £1,640-£2,194 across the same period.

• Among the big six suppliers (British Gas, Ovo, Scottish Power, EDF, Octopus, and Eon), British Gas, Ovo, and Scottish Power have pulled some of their fixed deals.

• Read more: UK firms pull fixed energy deals as Iran war pushes up prices - BBC News

Overall, what does the situation in the Middle East mean for your energy bills?

• Many international events such as the situation in the Middle East have a direct impact on gas and electricity prices.

• In the short term, households on a standard variable tariff are protected until the next change in the energy price, which is on July 1st. The supplier can never charge higher than the price cap, even if prices significantly rise.

• For households on a fixed tariff, you are protected until your contract ends.

• If you are worried about your bills, feel free to contact Selce to discuss support options. We would be happy to help!

• Read more: what the situation in the Middle East means for your energy bills | Ofgem