THOUSANDS of energy customers could be faced with a shock bill rise within weeks.
Those coming off fixed-rate deals will find their standing charge rate goes up.
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Standing charges are a daily fee applied to gas and electricity bills regardless of whether a customer has used any energy.
They are designed to help pay for the cost of running the energy network, and also previously collapsed firms.
But the standing charge fee for electricity went up by more than 80% last year, according to research by charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
It’s expected to rise again from April, when the new energy price cap comes into effect.
Under a fixed-rate deal, you pay the same standing charge rate across the entirety of the deal.
So for customers due to come off a fixed rate deal within the coming weeks, they will find their standing charge will most likely be significantly higher than before.
How much by depends as standing charge rates vary based on what region you live in.
There’s not much you can do about rising standing charge prices if you are coming off your fixed rate deal.
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But you can always shop around to see if you might get a more competitive deal by switching providers.
Plus, there’s lots of energy support on offer for households.
What energy bill help can I get?
A number of energy providers are part of the “demand flexibility service”, which sees customers paid to turn off their appliances at certain times of the day.
British Gas, E.On and EDF are just a few of the suppliers taking part.
You should get in touch with yours to find out if you might be able to sign up.
Millions of households should be in the process of receiving a £400 energy rebate.
The discount has been split into six monthly instalments which started last October. All six should be paid by March.
Plus, you might get help via the Household Support Fund.
The latest £421 million pot has been shared between local councils, but what you are entitled to will depend on where you live.
Usually, the help is given to households on a low income or benefits.
If you think you might be eligible, you should contact your local council.
You can find out who your local council is by using the government’s “find my local council” tool.
A number of energy providers offer grants to customers who can’t pay their bills.
This includes British Gas, EDF, Scottish Power and Octopus Energy.
British Gas’ scheme pays out a maximum of £1,500 to customers who are really struggling.
You can get help if you’re not a customer too.
