Energy price increases
Energy prices have risen over recent years as well as cost of living, which affects everyone differently depending on who provides and / or manages your energy supply. We know this is difficult for many customers to manage, and we aim to keep you informed about how we can help, and the support you can access from other organisations.
Support available to reduce the impact of increased energy prices
There are several options to explore if energy prices are negatively impacting your household, with lots of organisations providing help through grants, funds and advice on managing money.
Here are a few things you can try that may help you to manage the effects of the energy price increase:
Check if the tariff you are on with your energy supplier is the best possible price by visiting a price comparison website as there’s no harm investigating if you can make a saving. Speak to the supplier offering the deal and think carefully before committing to it.
If you can, pay your bills by direct debit as suppliers often give discounts if you pay using this method.
- If your supplier has contacted you to increase your monthly payments (especially if you pay by direct debit), please contact them to discuss. They should only increase your monthly amount if they can justify it based on your consumption.
- They may also be able to offer support if you're struggling to pay your bill. If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, ask your energy supplier for ‘emergency credit’.
- If you’re a vulnerable person, ask your energy provider to put you on the Priority Services Register . This gives you information like advance notice for planned power cuts (important if you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons) and priority support in an emergency.
- If you pay your energy bills by direct debit, ask for a breakdown of what you’re paying for. This is to make sure your supplier is charging you for what you’re actually using, not an estimate. Not submitting your meter readings? Do it now for more accurate billing.
Try to negotiate with your utility supplier. While the increase is inevitable for everyone, you should take care not to commit to payments that you cannot afford.
You can contact us to speak to one of our Welfare & Benefit Advisors by contacting us or calling 0300 373 3000 and they can work with you to try to support you getting all the benefits you may be entitled to.
You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential items
Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Please check your local council’s website for more information. Please click here to find your local council.
Don’t be tempted by loan sharks, high-interest credit or store cards - they target people who are already struggling with rising costs and you could get stuck with unaffordable repayments.
Support from the Government, charities and external organisations
You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential items
Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Please check your local council’s website for more information. Please click here to find your local council.
You do not have to be a British Gas customer to be able to apply to the charity for assistance if you meet the criteria. You can find out more information about the British Gas Energy Trust at britishgasenergytrust.org.uk. Other utility companies also offer financial support, please check with your supplier for their eligibility criteria.
For more information and independent energy and debt advice you can contact any of the following agencies:
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- National Debtline - Free, confidential, and independent debt advice for individuals who are not self-employed. Phone 0808 808 4000 or visit nationaldebtline.org
- StepChange Debt Charity - A charity providing free, confidential, and independent debt advice for individuals who are not self-employed. Phone: 0800 138 1111 or visit stepchange.org
- Citizens Advice - Citizens Advice Bureau provide free, independent, and confidential advice to those who are not self-employed on their rights and responsibilities. Their debt helpline (available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)is 0800 240 4420 or you can visit citizensadvice.org.uk
Turn2Us
The national charity Turn2Us have a wide range of advice and information on their website for people who are struggling with energy and water bills. Click the button below to visit their website and find out more.
Energy and water support schemes
Citizen's Advice
For more advice on what to do if you’re worries about pay your energy bills, click the button below to visit the Citizen's Advice website.
