With the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are looking for any possible ways to save money. Rising supermarket costs, energy bills and council tax rates, among other increases, have left millions of UK households wondering how they will meet their monthly bills in the coming months.
At least 30% of customers with British Gas, Octopus Energy and Shell Energy companies reported their direct debits increasing, Money Saving Expert said this week. It prompted Martin Lewis to remind energy customers they can challenge their supplier on big increases.
"So if you’re in credit, have been on a standard variable (price-capped) tariff for six months or more, and your direct debit has gone up by far too much: submit an up-to-date meter reading first, then speak to your supplier and politely ask it to justify the rise," he said. “If it can’t, request that it is lowered. If it refuses, make a formal complaint and take it to the Energy Ombudsman.”
