MP hosts free event to help residents with energy and water bills
North End residents worried about bills can get help next week at free utility and cost of living event hosted by Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin.
The session takes place on Friday 23 January 2026 from 11am to 1.30pm, bringing together energy companies, charities, and local services to help people understand bills, manage costs, and access support.
Attendees can speak one-to-one with Octopus Energy, E.ON, Advice Portsmouth, Portsmouth Water, Southern Water, and local financial services about energy and water bills, debt, financial wellbeing, and support schemes.
Amanda Martin MP said that “too many people” are worried about bills and “unsure where to turn for help”.
She said the event “is about making support accessible, friendly and practical, bringing trusted organisations together in one place so residents can get clear advice and feel more confident about their finances.
“It’s also an opportunity for me to hear directly from you about what more we can do to support with the cost of living.”
Southern Water’s affordability lead Nicky Chitty said the event can prevent households missing “support they may be entitled to”.
She added that customers who are eligible for its essentials tariff will receive a 45 per cent discount.
A spokesperson for Octopus Energy said the company believes “no one should have to worry about staying warm” and highlighted its £40m Octo Assist fund, offering “practical advice from our Energy Specialists” as well as support from social workers on overall wellbeing.
A spokesperson for IncomeMax said the organisation would provide “free, practical advice” on benefits, local council schemes, water and energy trust funds, priority services, and could assist with applications where needed.
You can book a place online, over the phone (023 9279 2142) or via email: [email protected]
Residents also have until January 29 to apply for the utilities payment scheme which offers one-off payments to help eligible households with energy and water bills.
Single households can receive £150, couples or families £200. The scheme is managed by Portsmouth City Council and funded by the government.
Eligibility includes pensioners on disability benefits, carers, care leavers, low-income adults with Limited Capacity for Work and single parents on Universal Credit with housing costs.