Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has urged people to check if they are owed £750 through winter funds launched by some energy firms amid rising bills. A number of energy firms run schemes which could allow some customers to claim back money they have paid out.
British Gas' Winter Fund gives eligible customers up to £750 toward the cost of their energy bills and the company says the average payout per grant so far has been £510. It comes after it was confirmed energy bills will rise by an average of 54% next month as the price cap is increased significantly.
The cap is rising from £1,277 a year to £1,971 on April 1, with further rises expected from October. But Martin Lewis says many households are paying even more than that.
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A caller to ITV's This Morning programme yesterday said her annual energy bill was estimated to be £5,000, as she has a son that needs a ventilator for 22 hours a day. Speaking on the show, Lewis warned the caller, Marie, that this bill was going to get even more expensive, M.E.N reports.
"That's going to get bigger. I think we are at near-crisis stage for many people with disabilities and vulnerabilities at the moment. £5,000 is not an excessive bill compared to some of the people out there, it is going to get even higher. Intervention is absolutely critical."
Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert, said that there is financial help out there for people struggling with their energy bills. He added: "I would suggest you call someone like National Energy Action to see if there are any of the energy company trust funds that are available to help you out and there is anything you are missing out on in a one-on-one assessment of your situation.
"National Energy Action is a charity that helps Brits with fuel poverty. Many energy companies have launched hardship funds to help customers with rising fuel bills and associated debt.
"For example, British Gas has launched its British Gas Winter Fund, which gives eligible customers up to £750 toward the cost of their energy bills. British Gas says the average payout per grant so far has been £510. Other similar grants include the Ovo Energy Fund, E.ON Energy Fund, Bulb Energy Fund and the EDF Energy Customer Support Fund. British Gas also has an Energy Trust Individual and Families grant that gives money off unpaid energy bills.
"This is open to all customers, not just those with British Gas. The scheme is due to end at 4pm today. It will reopen on July 1. Energy providers can also set up payment plans to help customers with bills.
"Elsewhere, the Warm Home Discount is available to some people on benefits with more information available at Citizens Advice. The scheme could help you take £140 off your bills.Shelter also provides information to help people struggling to pay their energy bills - it can give more details of the Warm Home Discount and explain what you can get dependent on your particular circumstance."
