HARD-up Matt Davies has to choose between heating and eating after falling into energy debt, thanks to the impact of Covid-19 and Christmas costs.
Electrician Matt, 35, from Newport, said: “I work full-time but can’t afford to heat my home and pay for other bills, food, rent and debts.”
1
He is not alone. One in nine families are struggling to pay their bills — with six million British adults now in energy and household bills debt.
According to Citizens Advice, this comes as coronavirus sees people battle job losses and income cuts.
And one in four households, 15 million people, are worried about being able to afford energy bills later in winter.
Water, electricity and gas bills have rocketed 37 per cent, as millions use more water and power while working from home, say End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaigners.
The average debt of people who owe for energy is £760 for electricity and £605 for gas, Citizens Advice said.
Furloughed Sarah Hall said: “I’ve had to cut back on food, water and energy use. Covid has impacted my income and expenditure greatly.
“But because my furlough pay was just above the benefits limit, I didn’t qualify for any help.”
Mum Jane Rogers said: “My children and I have been indoors for months and used more electricity, gas and water and also more money on buying things to keep the kids entertained.
6 million people are in debt to energy suppliers
“The past year has cost far more than a normal year.”
Campaigners say this third lockdown will see home bills boom again.
Simon Francis. of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “A double whammy of stay-at-home instructions and colder weather will lead to more people in fuel poverty.
“With the worst weather still to come, we need urgent action from energy firms and the Government to support those in fuel poverty.”
But many Brits in energy bill debt do not know they can get help with payments and slash bills.
Citizens Advice says energy suppliers are forced to agree a price customers can afford when repaying debt, from as little as £10 a week.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to managing payments for utilities and tech.
- *Names changed for this article
CONSUMER CREW
Beat the big freeze and make your home more energy efficient with these tips
N-ICE ONE
Amazing trick to thaw car windscreens with warm water and a zip lock bag
DRIVES ME MAD
Tesco customers furious after being charged for petrol purchased last year
TO YOUR CREDIT
Freebies and discounts you can get on Universal Credit or other benefits
SURF’S UP
How to cut your broadband bill and save £507 a year
BARGAIN HUNT
Wilko launches up to half price sale on home and kitchenware
Get help with bills
GAS AND ELECTRIC
ENERGY bills cost households £1,289 per year on average.
Suppliers must reduce payments if you ask, and some people qualify for Government energy benefits.
Also consider turning the heating off for rooms you are not using, and wearing warmer clothing indoors.
Citizens Advice said: “If you’re struggling to afford your bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay what you owe.
“Your supplier has to help you come to a solution.
“For example, if you owe £400 to your supplier, instead of paying this in one go, you speak to your supplier and tell them the maximum you can afford to pay is £40 a week.
“You agree with them to pay £10 a week to cover the debt, and £30 a week to cover your current energy usage until the debt is paid off.”
Some pensioners and low earners qualify for the £140 Warm Home Discount.
Over-65s also receive a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300.
Some of those on benefits will get £25 Cold Weather Payments for every severe chill.
And the £170million Covid Winter Grant Scheme offers food vouchers, clothes and funding for bills to vulnerable families.
WHAT TO DO: Phone your energy firm and ask to reduce your payments.
Check you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
Citizens Advice and energy companies can help you do this.
WATER
MORE handwashing due to coronavirus advice and more time spent at home means that the 35million people on water meters are now facing increased bills for water use.
Those in homes without meters do not pay as they have a set price.
Water bills average £415 a year.
But the Consumer Council for Water says one in three people do not know they can delay payments and get help from water companies.
Suppliers offer lower prices to people on low incomes and benefits.
Water UK chief executive Christine McGourty said: “If you’re struggling to pay your bill, approach your water company for help. There are lots of ways they can support you.”
Thames Water said: “We want to reassure customers struggling with bills that we have special tariffs to support them and options to spread payments. If people feel they need help, please get in touch.”
WHAT TO DO: Call your supplier to see if you qualify for a low-income water price, or to space out your debt repayments.
COUNCIL TAX
IT’S the biggest annual bill for many people, at around £1,600 per year for a Band D property.
But it is possible to spread payments over 12 months rather than the usual ten.
Councils may give you a discount if you really can’t pay all of what you owe.
You can also get a reduction if you have a low income or live alone – full-time students do not need to pay at all.
WHAT TO DO: Phone your council to ask.
PHONES AND INTERNET
Firms allow you to spread out payments due if you ask them.
WHAT TO DO: Call your provider and explain your financial situation.
They may also be able to switch you on to a cheaper contract.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma explains how energy bill voucher scheme will work as part of Rishi Sunak’s £3bn package
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
