Parts of greater Manchester have been hit with flurries of snow over the weekend, and as temperatures drop in the lead up to Christmas the cost of heating is having an impact on households more than ever. Causing UK energy suppliers to share updated advice for struggling bill payers.
For many this time of year is 'the most magical of all' but behind the 'white Christmas' and festive celebrations a lot of households are expected to struggle with rising energy costs. As snow and ice hit many parts of the UK the cost of heating homes is becoming a lot more expensive as the energy price cap rises, yet again.
Set out by energy regulator Ofgem, the price cap is set to rise to an annual level of £4,279 in the new year (January 2023), this is the average estimated cost for households on a basic supplier tariff. This comes to just over £356.58, nearly £200 more than the average monthly cost this time last year.
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On top of government support including £300 extra to pensioners, £150 Warm Home Discount for people on lower incomes and up to £900 for households on means tested benefits, energy suppliers have put in place more advice to keep households warm, which will not only take the chill of upcoming winter weather but keep costs down too.
Shell Energy 'top-up' the warm homes discount
Shell Energy has shared a series of energy saving tips for its customers this Christmas, including advice on light decoration costs, cooking, as well as its advised thermostat temperature.
Its latest heating advice could save customers just under £100 a year on energy, and something households can make the most of over Christmas if you have more people staying than normal.
Shell's advice is stated on their website: "Keeping a handle on your thermostat is probably the surest way to limit the energy you use, so long as you’re not noticing the difference. Try turning the room thermostat down by just one degree.
"By doing this, it’s estimated that the typical household could save £85 a year on energy."
As well as everyday advice, Shell is giving its customers an extra £150 on top of the Government £150 Warm Home discount (a total of £300) to help this winter. You have to receive the following benefits to claim the extra £150 from Shell Energy; Jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit, universal credit, chid tax credit, income support, income-related employment and support allowance, working tax credits or pension credit.
It also points its customers towards the Government's 'Cold Weather Payments'. This is different to the new Warm Home Scheme (which gives between £150 and £300 off energy bills from 2022 to 2023).
When the weather gets very cold, the Government automatically issues £25 payments to people on certain benefits, towards their energy bills. To receive this money temperatures must be zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row, but at this time of year a lot of households will qualify. To apply visit Gov.co.uk, here.
£1,500 from British Gas
Earlier this year we reported how British Gas was giving away up to £1,500 to help its customers pay rising energy bills. This December the offer still stands, and both customers and non British Gas users can apply.
The British Gas Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund offers help to those who are in serious need. Applicants must show a clear interest in wanting to clear their debts with the grant. For many households, it would be a weight lifting relief.
The criteria is quite stringent, and to be accepted you need to be spending more than 10% of your income on energy and have less than £1,000 in savings, have previous energy debts of at least £250 or more and show that you have previously sought advice from a debt charity or money adviser.
If you don't qualify for this, or are looking for more support the supplier has introduced discounts on its winter deals, including 50% off boiler cover, boiler repairs from £75, and a free Hive Thermostat if you buy a more energy efficient boiler. All the details can be seen on its website, here.
Other support funds
- E.ON - Helps customers pay bills and replace old, non-energy efficient appliances.
- Bulb £150 grant - Customers can apply for more energy efficient white goods, fridges, freezers and cookers, that will help customers save on day-to-day electricity costs. The application can be found on the debt advice page, and customers will need their account number and debt balance.
- OVO Energy Payment Freeze - £50 Customer Support Package which includes a variety of steps to help pay heating bills.
- EDF Support Fund - Customers are also eligible to have a smart meter fitted into their home for free with EDF. An emergency £10 credit if their smart meter falls below £1.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice frequently shares updated energy details for households and individuals struggling with rising energy costs. As well as including the range of Government support funds and scheme's the organisation also shares how to get fuel vouchers and how to check your landlords energy payment if you rent.
- Does your landlord pay for energy? If your landlord gets a discount on energy from a government scheme, they must share it with you as the tenant. You can check here.
- How to get a Government fuel voucher - if you're struggling to top up prepayment meter, get a voucher to add onto fuel card or electricity key. Check requirements, here.
- Rebate for certain health conditions - If you use an oxygen concentrator for a disability or health condition, you can get money back for the cost of running medical machines. Information can be found, here.
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