Ofgem has announced an increase in energy bills, but there are strategies available to reduce your expenses. If you are facing difficulties in paying your gas and electricity bills, assistance is accessible. The Ofgem energy price cap for the average dual fuel household using direct debit will rise from £1,720 to £1,755 starting in October.
The Ofgem price cap does not restrict total energy costs; instead, it sets limits on gas and electricity unit rates as well as standing charges. Standing charges are necessary for connection to the energy network and vary for prepayment customers and those paying upon bill receipt.
To avoid falling behind on payments, contact your energy provider to explore available assistance options. Failure to pay energy bills can harm your credit score, lead to legal action, and involve visits from debt collectors.
Energy firms offer various support options, including payment plans, breaks, and manageable debt repayments. Vulnerable customers, such as pensioners or individuals with chronic health conditions, can enroll in the Priority Services Register for benefits like advanced power outage notifications and meter reading support.
Emergency credit, typically ranging from £5 to £15, can be provided by suppliers when energy is running low. “Friendly credit” periods, usually in the evenings and weekends, prevent disconnection. Additionally, hardship funds and grants are available from major energy companies for customers in energy debt, with no repayment required.
The Warm Home Discount scheme can provide a £150 reduction on electricity bills. Eligibility criteria include certain benefits, and applications typically open in October. Cold Weather Payments of £25 each are issued during extended cold spells, with multiple payments possible. In Scotland, an annual Winter Heating Payment of £50 may be available.
Winter Fuel Payments of £200 (or £300 for those over 80) are cash incentives for qualifying households, while support is provided by charities for energy-related financial challenges. For extensive debt assistance, consider consulting organizations like Citizens Advice.