Many households are struggling to keep up with rising energy bills. Even with government support, the average annual cost is double what it was a little over a year ago.
With the latest Uswitch data revealing that £1.3billion is owed by households on their bills - an average of £206 per home - one expert has come up with some tips to negotiate on bills.
Andy Kerr, founder at boiler firm BOXT, said: "Many people will be struggling with the cost of living heading into winter, and with energy prices at an all-time high, people may be finding themselves unable to pay their energy bills. But there is help.
“If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, the first thing you should do is contact your energy supplier to discuss ways to pay them what you owe. Your energy supplier has to help you come to a solution, but ensure you negotiate a deal that works for you and your monthly budget.
"If you have asked to set up a payment plan, this will include what you owe plus an amount for your current use. Your supplier must take into account how much you can afford to pay and how much energy you’ll use in future, so make sure you have your monthly income and outgoings on hand, and also send regular meter readings and or get a smart meter installed so your bill is always based on accurate usage rather than an estimate. This means you’re less likely to be overpaying and also don't risk underpaying then getting a big catch-up bill further down the line.
"If you are struggling this winter, remember there is help at hand. There are a number of grants and schemes available, with varying eligibility criteria. Your supplier should also be able to help you identify any hardship funds or grants you may be eligible for.”
Examples of hardship funds or grants that you can get from the government are:
Winter Fuel Payment – for people born on or before September 25, 1956
Cold Weather Payment – a £25 payment for every seven days of very cold weather (below freezing) between November and March
Warm Home Discount – a £150 discount for some people getting Pension Credit or some people in low-income households
If you live in Scotland or Wales:
Child Winter Heating Assistance - A £214.10 annual payment per disabled child and young person under 19 living in Scotland
Winter fuel support scheme - A £200 annual payment for Welsh households in receipt of certain benefits
The government’s Fuel Direct Scheme can also help you repay a debt from benefit payments. Contact Jobcentre Plus (or your pension centre if you’re on Pension Credit) to apply
Andy added: “If your boiler is older than ten years, it may be time to buy a new one. All new and modern boilers have to be A-rated for efficiency. A more efficient boiler system will significantly reduce energy wastage, which will help to reduce heating bills.
“Older systems have to work harder to produce the same heat, and some won't even be able to reach the levels of new boilers. This puts a bigger strain on the old system, causing issues and higher energy bills. By purchasing a new boiler, in the long run, you'll save money and save energy, with research from the Energy Saving Trust showing that you could save up to £840 a year on energy bills with a new, more efficient boiler.”
BOXT offers an all-in-one subscription package, with no deposit needed and no interest charged, whereby homeowners get access to everything they need for the installation and ongoing care of a brand new A-rated boiler for the entire 10-year period of the plan.
