CAB: Help with energy bills

The ‘energy price cap’ (or Energy Price Guarantee) of £2,500 has now come into force. This limits the rate that a supplier can charge for gas and electricity and will be in place for two years. Importantly, although the price cap means that a typical household won’t usually pay more than £2,500 a year for gas and electricity, if you use more energy than a typical household your bill can still be higher. Even with this and the £400 discount that was announced earlier in the year for some households, it is likely that most people’s bills will be much higher than they are used to, and many households will struggle to pay. There is additional help available. Take a look at the Citizens Advice website for information. (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/ get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills)

Warm Home Discount Scheme If you are receive benefits, additional support may be available through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. You could be eligible to get £150 off your electricity bill or £150 added to your prepayment meter. Only customers of the energy suppliers signed up to the scheme will get the discount and, you don’t need to apply as payments are automatic. Check our web page (above) for the full listing of those suppliers taking part in the scheme and the relevant benefits that lead to eligibility. Household Support Fund For low-income households, the Household Support Fund aims to provide help with essential household costs over the coming winter months. In Surrey Heath grants of up to £100 are available. Check our website for further details https:// www.citizensadvicesurreyheath.org.uk/ are-you-struggling-with-living-costs-2/. Fuel Vouchers Fuel vouchers are available for those who cannot afford to top up their prepayment meter. You can use the voucher at a shop signed up to PayPoint or Payzone. If you’re not sure if you can get a voucher, get in touch with your local Citizens Advice and one of our advisers can help. Hardship Schemes Many of the energy companies have their own hardship funds, so if you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you may be able to apply for a grant to help pay it off. One-off payments The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual oneoff payment to help pay for heating during the winter and is available as you reach state pension age. Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments to help pay for extra heating when it is exceptionally cold and is paid automatically for those already receiving specific benefits. Citizens Advice offers information about eligibility for benefits and grants as well as help with debt. We also can help with issues relating to consumer, family, housing, health and legal matters.

Need advice? You can phone our general Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 (Mon-Fri 10-5). If you’re in Surrey Heath, you can call 01276 417900 and leave a message for a call back, or email client@camberley.cabnet.org.uk. Alternatively, you can find information at citizensadvice.org.uk regarding your local office, where you can also get advice by webchat and email.