Keep yourself informed and take control
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, don’t ignore the problem. Contact your energy supplier straight away and ask for their advice. You’ll be legally protected and your supplier will have to work out a payment plan with you. To find out more, read the information provided on the Ofgem, Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice web pages.
It seems likely that there will be tough times ahead. With energy bills having risen sharply , curbing energy consumption should be high on everyone’s list of priorities. It’s time to take control.
Start off by using this handy Budget Calculator to gain a clear picture of your monthly finances. Once you know exactly what monies are coming in, what payments have to be made and when, you may well find that there are some economies that you can make, to ease the financial pressure.
Don’t be under any illusions about the UK Government’s energy price cap. The ‘cap’ relates to the unit price of energy during a fixed period – it is not a cap on the total energy bill for your household. The more energy you use, the more you will end up having to pay.
If you are using a prepayment meter, consider switching to a direct debit. This will allow you to spread the cost of your energy across the entire year, rather than paying less in the summer and then taking a big financial hit in the winter. Read this Citizens Advice article to help you decide if the prepayment method is right for you.
Access Ofgem’s glossary for a straightforward explanation of energy terms.
If you are worried about falling into debt, seek professional advice. It’s available free of charge from these three organisations: