Top tipster Martin Lewis has come up with some handy advice that could save families hundreds of pounds as their energy bills are set to soar.
The Money Saving Expert guru has laid out how some people could be owed through special winter funds launched by energy firms.
British Gas’ Winter Fund, for example, gives eligible customers up to £750 toward the cost of their energy bills, reports the Express.
READ MORE - Martin Lewis 'out of tools' to help people save and calls for 'political intervention'
Bosses of the firm say the average payout per grant so far has been £510 - a welcome boost amid a rise in bills in two weeks.
As reported previously on Edinburgh Live, the average energy bill is set to rise by more than half (54 percent) from April 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 and financial journalist Lewis says many households are paying even more than that.
On ITV’s This Morning last week, Mr Lewis answered a viewer's question about the rising prices.
Marie called in and 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, however the money saving expert warned this was only going to get worse.
He said: "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.
"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.
British Gas has launched its British Gas Winter Fund, which gives eligible customers up to £750 toward the cost of their energy bills.
Through this fund, thousands of eligible British Gas customers with energy debt of between £250 – £750 will be able to apply for a grant to help pay what they owe.
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 will reopen on July 1.
Energy providers can also set up payment plans to help customers with bills.
Alternatively 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.
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV from 10.30am.
