You can also use price comparison tools to check your usage and costs for energy providers which are readily available on the internet by searching price comparison tools.
If you are on a low income or over a certain age you might also be able to receive help.
Extra Government support is provided for people who are older and those on particular benefits. This includes the:
Warm Home Discount Scheme – This is a one-off discount on your electricity bill and has now increased to up to £150 for winter.
Winter Fuel Payment – This is a payment for older people of between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills.
Cold Weather Payment – This is an extra payment where there is a spell of very cold weather. Cold Weather Payments has now increased to an extra £25 a week.
Additionally, for those struggling to pay energy debts, grants are available to help. Contact your energy supplier directly to find out more or read the Citizens Advice information on grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills. If your energy supplier does not provide a grant scheme you can apply to the British Gas Energy Trust for help. These grants are available to everyone whether you are a British Gas Customer or not. To check if you are eligible use the following link: Grants Available – British Gas Energy Trust
Support with Energy Bills:
Government:
In September 2022, the Government announced £15 billion of support in the Energy Bill Rebate Package. Please see some of the measures listed below:
- Energy Bill Discount - £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from this October. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter.
- Cost of Living Payment - Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year. This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in summer and another in the autumn, and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills.
- Disability Cost of Living Payment - Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport. This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
- Pensioner Cost of Living Payment - In the winter months pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills. This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.
For further information on the Government’s measures to support with energy bills please click here.
Energy Companies:
Many suppliers are also providing a variety of support to help people struggling with energy bills.