Most households are expecting to see their energy bills rise by a staggering 54% in April 2022 (unless they in a fixed deal). On average, that is a rise of more than £700 per year!
Ofgem have risen the energy price cap on the price of each unit of energy and daily standing charges from April to reflect the huge rise suppliers are facing buying energy wholesale.
If you’re on a fixed deal, the unit price of your energy will not go up until your fixed plan ends and you are moved onto a variable default tariff.
If you’re not sure what tariff you are on, check your bill or contact your energy supplier.
What if you think you are being charged too much?
Suppliers will be contacting customers by the end of February 2022 to let them know if their price is changing from April 2022, and what it might mean for their payments.
A customer’s bill will vary depending on how many units of energy they use in the billing period. If a customer uses more energy, they will have a high bill.
Are you getting accurate bills?
Customers without smart meters are advised to regularly read their meters and pass this onto the supplier, so that the bills reflect what you are using and avoid estimated bills.
Talk to your supplier if you are being billed for the wrong meter reading, or if you think there is a fault with your meter.
Should customers still switch?
Increases in whole energy costs since September 2021 has meant that fewer deals are available on price comparison sites. Some customers may still be able to make a saving, so it may still be worth comparing prices in case there is a cheaper deal.
How can I reduce my energy use?
There are lots of ways to save on your energy bills. For examples, making sure that you heating is working correctly and that you understand which appliances are the most expensive to use. Find out more at:
What happens if you get Warm Home Discount?
People who receive the Warm Home Discount are still protected.
What extra support is available?
On 3 February the government announced a new package of support to help households with rising energy bills including:
· A £150 non-repayable rebate in Council Tax bills for all households in Bands A-D in England in April.
· A £200 discount on energy bills this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This will be paid back automatically over the next 5 years.
· Funding from Local Authorities to support households who need support but are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate or are on income support but live in an E or above property.
· Expanding the Warm Home Discount and increasing its value from £140 to £150.
What you can do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bill?
If you’re struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills, contact your supplier to discuss ways to pay what you owe them.
Your supplier has to help you come to a solution. You should try to negotiate a deal that works for both of you.
If you don’t try to negotiate with your supplier, they might threaten to disconnect your supply.
There are also grants and benefits available: Visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/
Our energy advisers can help
The Norfolk Warm & Wise energy team offers free, impartial and confidential energy advice. The Norfolk-wide project is a partnership between Citizen Advice Diss, Thetford and District and Norfolk Citizens Advice. Contact: energyadvice@cadat.org.uk Tel 0800 144 8848
