Lots of us are worried about energy bills. It’s natural. With the subject being all across the media, it’s an understandable worry. What can you do though? How can we plug that gap between what we are bringing in via our monthly salary and the crazy prices we’re not paying for fuel? With winter on the way, let’s look at how to get financial help with energy bills.
Government Help
With the rising prices of everything, the Government had no real choice but to set in and try and lessen the damage. Sure, there is already damage done and we’re paying more now than we were just a year ago. However, the Energy Price Guarantee will mean that a typical household in the UK pays an average of £2,500 a year on their energy bill. This is locked for the next two years, starting October 2022. Remember though, this is not a cap. You don’t pay £2,500 and then use as much energy as you want. There is no cap. If you use more, you’ll pay more. Use less and you’ll pay less. It is an average.
Along with the Energy Price Guarantee, the Government has given help with energy bills in a form of grants. There was the council tax rebate earlier in 2022 and there have been other grants announced. The amount you get will depend on your situation. Everyone will get £400 however people on benefits and with disabilities will get extra. These cost of living payments have already started hitting bank accounts so if you are due one, keep an eye out for the money arriving.
Talk To Your Energy Supplier
Secondly, your energy supplier has a responsibility toward you. If you cannot afford to pay your bills, you need to talk to your energy supplier. They can offer help with utility bills. Burying your head in the and is not a good idea as it will just make everything worse. They might be able to set up a payment plan for you, making those bills a little more manageable. Be honest and keep those lines of communication open. The payment plan might be out of reach too, in which case, other support could be offered. If you need help with energy bills, you should also ask your supplier if they can add you to their Priority Services Register.
Apply For The Warm Home Discount Scheme
Many suppliers are part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is where you will get £150 off your energy bill to help with winter payments. There are many suppliers in this scheme, including Scottish Power, British Gas and Octopus Energy. However, you need to check if your supplier is part of this and be sure to apply in November 2022.
Fuel Vouchers
Those on a prepayment meter who need help with energy bills can see if they are entitled to a fuel voucher. This is a code sent to you via letter, text message or email, that will add credit to your gas card or electricity key. Contact your supplier to see if they can offer you this.
Only Heat One Room
Of course, the increased energy bills are going to mean higher payments for all of us, even with some help with utility bills. It’s a great idea to look at your energy usage and try to budget. This could mean only heating one of the rooms in your home. Finding ways to ensure you can stay warm this winter without getting yourself into a crazy amount of debt. Extra blankets on your bed at night will keep you warm. Filling in gaps by windows and using draught excluders under doors will help keep the cold out. You need to do what you can to help with energy bills
Find Other Ways To Stay Warm
Finally, there are lots of ways to stay warm and we should look at these this winter. If you are waiting for help with energy bills, I’ve put together a Twitter thread of places you can go to stay warm this winter. It’s not ideal, but it’s an option.
In conclusion, we all need to find help with energy bills where we can. Be sure to look out for people who perhaps aren’t clued up or don’t have access to the internet. Help out your neighbours and relatives and maybe even look into setting up something in your community to help those that are struggling. Let’s help one another as we help ourselves.
