Fuel poverty will still be high despite the Ofgem fuel cap reduction
The OFGEM announcement of an upcoming reduction in the energy price cap, will save the average dual fuel households £10 a month. But prices still remain around £503 per year higher than before the crisis began in Autumn 2021 and this saving is even less for those in areas like Mashamshire where a lot of households are ‘off grid’ and still use fossil fuels as their main heating source.
“This winter has been brutal, we have heard dreadful accounts of people in later life sitting in cold, dark homes, or cutting back on other essentials such as food so they can turn a radiator on. This poses a health risk to older adults and cannot be allowed to continue.” Says Joanna Elson, Independent Age Chief Executive.
Read on to find out how you can help reduce your energy costs by either following our 3 simple steps or seeking more support through organisations such as the Citizens Advice Team.
3 ways to help reduce energy bills:
- Switch to Monthly Direct Debit
- Search around for the best tariffs
- Pro actively manage your bills
1. Switch to Direct Debit
You can do this on Electricity, Gas and Oil and you can save upto £135 per year by switching to this method of payment. When you get to the Summer months and your consumption is naturally lower, if you have built up a substantial credit – you should ask for some or all of this back so you can earn interest on it in your bank account!
2. Search around for the best price!
Gas & Electricity
Tariffs change regularly, so if you need price certainty, it is worth keeping an eye on the Martin Lewis website which offers useful up-to-date analysis on current tariffs and changing to the right tariff for your particular circumstances can be the key to reducing your bills.
You might also find it cheaper to buy your and electricity from the same provider – you can find more information on this through sites such as Uswitch.
Oil Prices
Consider subscribing to your local buying syndicate as this ensures you can take advantage of the best rates for bulk orders – which you can’t do if you are only topping up your tank. Alternatively navigate to one of the National syndicates such as ‘Boilerjuice’, or just be armed with the current trend on daily domestic heating oil prices when you head out to negotiate a rate locally.
3. Proactively Manage Your Bills
If you are on low income and find yourself in significant amounts of debt with your fuel supplier, then why not ask them if they can help. British Gas, EON Next, EDF, Octopus, OVO, Utilita and Utility Warehouse have all setup Trust Funds that can help with grants towards debts on energy.
Can Citizens Advice Help?
Citizens Advice have sited ‘Fuel Poverty’ as one of the main reasons people are seeking their support at the moment.
How Citizens Advice Can Help With Fuel Poverty
Donna, recently came back to the Advice Bus at the Catterick Garrison to pass on her thanks and say that “our service had made a huge difference to her and enabled her to manage her finances during this difficult period”.
‘Donna’ had dropped into the bus for advice on benefits and support, after finding herself in financial hardship, having given up a successful career to become foster carer to her young grandson. She was finding it very difficult to afford her household bills and put food on the table for herself and grandson. She had made a claim for universal credit but was unsure if she would be entitled to any additional benefits.
Over the course of 12 months, the Advice team put her in touch with the ‘Warm and Well’ team for a ‘Benefit Check’ who were able to support her with the purchase of LPG gas bottles from the ‘Household Support Fund’. They also worked out that she could be eligible for a Council Tax reduction and support was given to complete the application form.
Julia Priestnall from Citizens Advice, said – “We can direct people to ‘The Household Support Fund’ from NYC. This is often just a short term fix which may well be enough for some. But we sometimes find that our initial chats uncover underlying issues, that require longer term financial assistance or support”.
If you are struggling with Energy bills:
Call the Citizens Advice energy team on 01609 767 555 or visit their website
Local Citizens Advice Appointments
There are regular appointments available in Masham, Ripon & Pateley Bridge either remotely, face to face drop ins or on their Advice Bus.
The next session in Masham will be 10th March.
If that is not convenient, you can also access the service through Pateley Bridge or Ripon.
1st Tuesday of each month – Ripon Library (in person)
2nd Tuesday of each month – Masham Community Office (remote advice)
2nd Thursday of each month – Nidderdale Plus (remote advice)
3rd Monday of each month Ripon Community House (remote advice)
3rd Tuesday – Ripon Library (remote advice)
To book one of these appointments contact:
Masham Community Office info@visitmasham.com or call 01765 680200
Ripon Library – 01609 536623
Ripon Community House – 01765 603631
NidderdalePlus Office – admin@nidderdaleplus.org.uk, or telephone 01423 714953
If your issue is urgent or on a tight deadline, you can always call the Citizens Advice local helpline:
0808 278 7900, which is open 10am-4pm Monday-Friday
