A leading charity has issued advice on how to save money on energy bills at home as prices continue to rise.
With energy bosses saying that customers can expect high bills for up to two years, Age UK has voiced concerns that older people will be hit particularly hard by the soaring costs.
"The energy price cap is coming off in April, which means we're expecting household bills to double,” Yvonne Probert, head of charity services at Age UK North Tyneside, explains.
“What we're concerned about is particularly that older people will be disadvantaged, because they don't they don't have a way to make an additional income.”
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The charity says that elderly people have been left with “rising anxiety” about how they are going to pay their bills, and could even be forced to make the decision between heating their homes or eating.
Age UK North Tyneside is encouraging people in the region to look at making simple changes in their home to help manage their bills in the coming months.
"One of the first things people usually do is to start to ration their energy - so they turn the heating off,” Yvonne says - but the charity advises that this isn’t the best course of action.
“The best thing to do is to put your heating on at a lower temperature and keep it on so you're not dipping up and down,” Yvonne explains. “Because every time you dip up and down, your boiler kicks in and has to use more energy to take it back up.”
Yvonne also advises turning radiators off in rooms that aren’t being used at home, as well as making sure radiators are clear of clothes or that they aren’t obstructed by furniture. “Those sorts of things are just very simple, but will make a difference.”
The charity is also encouraging people to try out more simple solutions at home such as closing curtains to keep the heat in the room, wrapping up warm, having warm drinks and food, and keeping feet off the floor to avoid draughts.
As well as making small changes at home, Age UK wants to remind those in need that there are options out there when it comes to getting help with your bills.
These include the Warm Home Discount scheme, which is a one-off £140 discount off your energy bill that those who are on a low income or receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit may be eligible for.
There’s also the Cold Weather Payment, which is paid out to people on certain benefits if the temperature falls below zero degrees Celsius for seven days in a row or more.
The North Tyneside branch of the charity wants to remind anyone struggling with the rising prices that they’re “not alone”, and urges older people to come to the charity or similar organisations such as Citizens Advice for support.
“We’re in a time of challenges,” Yvonne acknowledges. “If you do need support, come forward. The services are friendly, approachable and confidential, so can offer you support to help you on your way.”
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