As temperatures begin to fall and many households start using their heating more regularly, autumn is a good time to review your finances and make sure you’re getting all the support available.
This year, energy costs remain a concern for many people. The energy price cap will increase from 1 October, meaning some households could see their bills rise as we head into the colder months.
Whether you’re worried about keeping up with bills, already struggling with debt, or simply looking for ways to reduce your energy costs, support is available.
What Does the Energy Price Cap Mean?
The energy price cap limits the amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill, which will still depend on how much energy you use. The cap is reviewed every three months and can go up or down depending on energy market costs.
With the heating season beginning, even small increases in prices can have an impact on household budgets, particularly for those already managing rising living costs.
For more information on the Energy Price Cap and what it may mean for you, click here.
Simple Ways to Reduce Energy Costs
There are a number of practical steps that could help reduce your energy use and keep costs down this winter:
- Only heat the rooms you are using when possible.
- Use thermostats and timers efficiently.
- Draught-proof doors and windows.
- Switch off appliances that are not in use.
- Consider whether a fixed tariff may offer better value.
- Check that you are submitting regular meter readings or have a working smart meter.
Small changes can add up over time and help reduce pressure on your household budget.
Check What Financial Support Is Available
Many people are missing out on financial support they could be entitled to.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for:
- Benefits and income-related support.
- Pension Credit.
- Help with housing costs.
- Energy supplier support schemes.
- Grants and other local assistance programmes.
A benefit check can help identify whether there is additional income available to support you through the winter months.
Want to check your benefit eligibility and how you can reduce energy costs? – Click here to fill in our Energy Refferal Form.
Struggling with Energy Bills or Debt?
If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with energy bills, it’s important not to ignore the problem.
Support may be available if:
- You have energy arrears.
- You’re using credit cards, loans or overdrafts to cover household bills.
- You’re worried about disconnection or enforcement action.
- You’re having to choose between heating and other essential costs.
Getting advice early can often help prevent issues from becoming more serious.
To find out what help you may be entitled to with your energy bills, fill in our Energy Refferal Form here.
If you have other debts and wish to speak to someone from our debt team, fill in our Self Refferal Form here.
Additional Support for Vulnerable Households
Some households may be eligible for extra help through the Priority Services Register. This provides additional support from energy suppliers for people who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, health conditions or other circumstances.
If you have a long-term health condition, are of pension age, have young children, or require additional support, it may be worth checking whether you could benefit from joining the register.
How Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton Can Help
At Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton, we provide free, confidential and independent advice on a range of issues, including:
- Energy bills and energy debt.
- Debt and money management.
- Benefit checks and income maximisation.
- Cost of living concerns.
- Housing issues.
- Consumer problems.
We understand that many households are facing difficult financial decisions as winter approaches. If you’re worried about energy costs or your wider finances, don’t wait until the situation becomes urgent. Getting advice early can help you understand your options and find a way forward. Click here to access our Energy Referral Form.
Whether you need help managing rising bills, dealing with debt, checking your entitlement to benefits, or understanding what support may be available, our advisers are here to help.
For other ways to contact us, see our Get Help page, here.
Need Advice?
This autumn, take a few minutes to review your energy costs, check your entitlement to support, and make sure you’re prepared for the colder months ahead. A little preparation now could help ease financial pressures throughout the winter.
To access Energy advice complete our Energy Referral Form by clicking the button below.
Alternatively, click the get help button below to find other ways you can get in touch with us.