What help is available for those struggling to pay their energy bills?

Up to 12 million households could be hit by fuel poverty as the energy cap is set to rise again to £2,800, more than double last year’s

With millions of families struggling to pay their energy bills and more price increases expected, many are seeking help wherever they can.

Luckily, concerned billpayers have a few options, from tax refunds to colder-weather payments.

Ofgem boss Jonathan Brearley today warned MPs that the energy price cap could rise to £2,800 in October from the current £1,971.

Mr Brearley told MPs: “We need the Government to step in… broadly this is just something for the Government to address”.

He added: “I know this is a very stressful time for customers but I need to make clear to this committee, customers and the Government the likely impact on prices for October.

“Therefore I will be writing to the Chancellor later today to give him our latest estimates of the price cap increase.

Rather than waiting for the government to pull through, there are other avenues families can take.

tax rebate

Many taxpayers can claim a rebate from their municipality.

Anyone who pays council tax and whose home is in council tax brackets A to D gets a rebate of £150.

This should happen automatically, but if you haven’t heard from the Council you should contact them directly before September 30, 2022.

If you pay your tax by direct debit, your council should transfer your one-time rebate of £150 directly into your bank account.

If you choose to pay by other means, your municipality should contact you directly and likely ask you to fill out an online form.

Fuel payment in winter

This is an annual one-off payment to heat your home during the winter.

You can usually get one if you were born on or before 26 September 1955, and those eligible will get between £100 and £300.

More details about this type of support can be found here here.

Payment in cold weather

This is a one-time payment given to certain households when winter temperatures drop dangerously low.

Those entitled will receive £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1st November and 31st March.

Cold Weather Payments are one-time payments that help you pay for extra heating bills when it’s very cold.

You’re eligible for a cold-weather payment if you’re already receiving:

• pension credit
• social care
• Income-related unemployment benefit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• universal credit

If you qualify, the extra money should be paid to you automatically.

Discount for warm home

This one-time reduction is available to low-income households or pension credit.

Instead of a direct payment, £140 will be deducted from your bills between October and March.

The 2021-2022 Warm Home Discount program is now closed and the 2022-2023 program will open later in the year.

You must contact your supplier to verify your eligibility.

Subsidy from your supplier

Some energy suppliers may be able to offer a subsidy to help pay off your debt to them.

The following energy suppliers offer their customers subsidies:

If you are not supplied by these companies, you can apply for a subsidy via the British Gas Energy Trust.

Local Energy Subsidy

Local grants may be available in your area.

Simple energy advice has a tool on its website that allows you to

Grants from Charities

Some charities offer grants. Details on how to apply can be found at Let’s Talk.

Turn2Us has tools for finding grants and finding consultants.

fuel vouchers

You can use it to top up your fuel card or electricity key.

Your municipality can help you with the application.