MILLIONS of households will pay more for gas and electric from today after a major support scheme ended.
Energy bills are set to rise by around £67 a month as there are no more energy rebate payments being made from April onwards.
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Every billpayer was handed £400 over the winter to help with rising costs.
Monthly installments of £66 or £67 were made from October, but the last instalment was handed out at the start of March.
Energy bills are not rising by as much as expected though, after the government announced an extension to the £2,500 price freeze.
The energy price guarantee (EPG) which currently limits bills was set to rise to £3,000 from April 1 but will now continue until July.
While it’s a huge relief for millions of households, the loss of the bill support means they will still effectively be paying more.
The EPG caps bills at £2,500, but that’s for the typical dual fuel bill and your actual bill can be higher or lower depending on usage.
The loss of the rebate, which has gone to just under 30million homes across the country, will also be softened by the timing.
Heading into spring and summer most households are likely to reduce their heating use resulting in lower bills in the winter months.
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It’s also worth noting that thousands of people on prepayment meters have still not cashed in their rebate vouchers.
While households that pay for energy via direct debit or on receipt of bill got the rebate amount deducted automatically, those who top up and “pay as you go” should have been sent vouchers.
Find out how to get the cash if you haven’t already and are on a prepayment meter in our guide.
But for anyone worried about energy bills, there’s still help you can get – including from suppliers.
Several major firms have grants for the most hard-up households who are struggling with energy costs.
Here we explain what you can get and how to apply.
You’ll need to contact your supplier directly to see what they offer, what the eligibility requirements are, and how much you can get.
If you don’t know who your supplier is, you can find out using the Ofgem supplier search tool on its website or by checking your bill.
British Gas – up to £1,500
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for its Energy Trust fund.
You could get a grant worth as much as £1,500 but the amount will depend on your circumstances and needs.
To be considered for a grant you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and be in debt on your gas, electric or both accounts.
You’ll also need to have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years if you’re not a customer, and in the last 12 months if you are.
For non-customers, you need to have received help from a money advice agency and have less than £1,000 in savings.
To apply and see the full eligibility details, go to britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/who-can-apply/.
Currently, the grant does not have a cut-off date, British Gas says it will continue the support throughout the cost of living crisis.
EDF
The EDF customer support fund can help customers who are in debt or facing financial difficulties.
It can also provide help in buying energy-efficient white goods to help customers reduce their bills long term.
To get a cash grant from EDF you’ll need to be a customer and sign up to the priority services register.
Once you’ve done this and the firm has assessed your circumstances you’ll be able to apply for an energy grant.
You’ll need to have your EDF account number and current energy debt balances ready, along with details of your household finances and vulnerability.
The fund is open for customers to apply and there is currently no end date for applications.
The amount you can get will depend on your circumstances.
Scottish Power – up to £750
Customers of Scottish Power could get up to £750 in grants from its hardship fund to help with their energy bills.
You could qualify for help if you’re receiving one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
If you think you’re eligible for the cash grant you can apply online on the supplier’s website and you should get a response within five working days.
Once your application has been submitted it can take up to five working days to be reviewed by the team.
You will then be contacted to confirm whether your application has been approved and advise next steps.
Scottish Power offers the fund all year round, so hard-up customers can apply now.
The amount you can get will again depend on your situation and needs.
Octopus – £100s
Octopus Energy offers a range of support including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund.
It could also include the loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home that you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill.
It also does home energy visits to help discuss how households can reduce their usage. Plus it gives out free electric blankets.
What you can get depends on your circumstances and needs.
Customers of Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power and M&S Energy are also entitled to apply for help through the Octo Assist Fund.
Octopus is encouraging all customers to get in contact if they’re struggling with their bills.
Direct bill support could include vouchers up to £500 or a payment holiday.
You can contact Octopus via its website.
Octo Assist fund is still open for applications and there is no deadline for customers to apply.
E.ON
Customers of both E.ON and E.ON Next can apply for cash grants to help with their energy costs.
E.ON doesn’t have an established eligibility criteria but the fund aims to help as many people as possible and applications from individuals with the greatest needs will be prioritised.
In order to complete your application, you will need to know your energy account number and provide a recent meter reading.
You can apply online via the Eon website.
You’ll be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances, for example, proof of household income or DWP benefit payments.
The fund does not have a closing date.
E.ON has urged any customers yet to apply for the fund to see what help is available.
More energy bill help you can claim now
You could help with energy and other bills from your local council through the Household Support Fund.
What you get will vary depending on where you live and your circumstances.
For example, residents in Torbay can get up to £500 while residents in Bracknell Forest can get £75 in supermarket vouchers.
Charities and other organisations often offer grants and you might be able to spend that money on energy costs.
There are around 8,000 charities and organisations in the UK that offer cash to help struggling families.
Turn2Us has a free grants search tool so you can find out what help is available to you.
You’ll need to search for what’s available specifically in your area by entering your postcode.
It’s also worth checking you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, especially if you’ve had a change of circumstances.
The quickest way to see what benefits you may be able to claim is to use one of the three benefit calculators recommended by Gov.uk.
Each one is free to use. They are:
If you’re on a prepayment meter you might be able to get a one-off voucher to top up.
The fuel voucher scheme comes via the Fuel Bank Foundation charity, and it’s offered through a range of organisations, like food banks and Citizens Advice.
Energy companies usually offer emergency credit, though you will have to pay this back.
How much you get and how it’s applied will depend on who your supplier is.
It might be added to your meter when you fall below a certain amount or you might have to ask for it.
You might get extra if you are vulnerable, for example, if you have a health condition or are over state pension age.
You’ll have to repay the cash next time you top up, but you can speak to your supplier about how much you’ll pay back and over what time.
If you’re in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free advice on how to manage debt.
Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
