Energy and fuel

Energy bills have been rising rapidly, this is because the wholesale price of gas that suppliers purchase is 4 times more expensive than this time last year. Reduced supply from wholesale energy providers and increased demand have combined to increase the cost, forcing more energy suppliers to go bust.

Earlier this year, Ofgem, the energy regulator, increased the energy price cap from 1st October 2021.

The price cap limits the rates suppliers can charge for their default tariffs. It will be reviewed again around April 2022.

• Help with energy costs - The Warm Home Discount Scheme (WHDS) is a government-led four-year scheme that runs from April 2011 to March 2015 to help low-income and vulnerable households with energy costs. If you think you qualify for the discount, contact your energy supplier. You will need to have evidence of the benefits you receive. You must apply before April to receive the discount for the following 12 months. Read more about other government-led initiatives to help you heat your home.
• LEAP is a free service that is helping people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money. 
• If you are worried about paying for your energy bills and keeping your house warm this winter, you can call the free, confidential Home Heat Helpline (0800 33 66 99) for help and advice.
• The Home Heat Helpline can give you advice on:
  1. Rebates: helping to get money off your energy bills
  2. Some great ways to save energy and money, including grants available for things like insulation and new boilers
  3. Other benefits you might be eligible for

If you are struggling call us on 01992 453 700 or email ISManagement@b3living.org.uk 

You’ll still have gas and electricity if your energy supplier goes out of business.

The gas and electricity regulator, Ofgem, will announce who is taking over your old supplier.

They’ll usually, announce who your new supplier is within a few days.

You can check if your supplier has gone bust and who your new supplier is.

Wait for your new supplier to contact you. They’ll explain what will happen with your account. If you don’t hear from your new supplier within 2 weeks, contact them.

While you’re waiting to hear from your new supplier If you have an online account, it’s a good idea to log into it, check your balance and download any bills.

Before your new supplier contacts you, you should:

• take meter readings - it’s useful to take a photo of your meter readings too
• keep any old bills you have - these can help prove your payment history, credit balance or debt
• make a note of your account balance - you’ll find this on your most recent statement

If you don’t have an online account or can’t access it at the moment, wait until your new supplier contacts you.

They should be able to tell you how much credit you have or how much you owe them.

If you pay by direct debit you don’t need to cancel it. Your direct debit details will move to your new supplier and your old direct debit will end.

You might be able to save money by making your home more energy efficient – for example by:

• using your central heating effectively
• keeping your home warm for longer
• making changes so you use less electricity and gas

Check your central heating.

You’ll spend more on energy if your heating system doesn’t work or isn’t set up properly.
Use timers and thermostats if you have them - this way you’ll only heat your house when
necessary. On average, you’ll save around £70 each year.

Making improvements to your home.

You might be able to reduce your bills, for example by adding insulation or installing a better heating system. You might be able to get a home energy grant to help pay for the improvements. 
If you’re renting. You must get your landlord’s permission before you make improvements to your home.

If your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) says your home is rated in band F or G, your landlord normally has to make some improvements

Advice on gas and electricity

You can get free, impartial advice from Uswitch on how to save money on gas and electricity. You can compare all suppliers and plans.

If you are a homeowner, you could think about installing loft insulation to around 270mm to save yourself around £145 a year (if you have no insulation at present).