We are experiencing a once in a 30-year event, with unpredictable energy prices affecting everyone around the world. On October 1st the new energy price cap comes into force, meaning households will see a significant rise in energy bills. Here are resources and information to help you during these difficult times.
Energy advice and support
What is the October price freeze?
Prime Minister Liz Truss announced a two-year Energy Price Guarantee scheme in response to the continued rise in energy prices.
It’s being called the October price freeze as replaces Ofgem’s initial October price cap that was set to come into force on the same day. This means the average household will now pay around £1,000 less than if Ofgem’s original October price cap had gone ahead.
The word ‘freeze’ is a bit misleading, as the Guarantee doesn’t set a maximum for your final bill for the year. The Guarantee sets the maximum price suppliers can charge households for a single unit of gas and electricity, but the price of your energy bill will still depend on how much energy you use.
It’s important to note that this is not capped on how much you use, and if you use more energy than the typical household then you can expect to pay more.
If you’re on a pre-payment meter, the Guarantee means the money you put in will last longer than it would have with Ofgem’s original price cap.
Hardship funds
October 2022 Energy Bill Loan
The Government has announced a £200 energy bill loan for October 2022 to offer support during this difficult year. In October, every electricity bill in Wales, England, and Scotland will be reduced by £200 for that month. Then, from April 2023, and for the next five years, your April energy bill will be an extra £40. This is to recoup the £200 loan paid out in October 2022.
Energy supplier support
If you are worried or struggling to pay your bills, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. Big energy firms have funds that can help if you’re in debt, so get in touch with them directly to check their eligibility criteria.
- British Gas Energy Trust (This is open to everyone; not just British Gas customers)
- EDF Energy
- ON Energy Fund
- ON Next Energy Fund
- OVO Energy Fund
- Octopus Energy Fund
To apply, you may need to fill in lots of forms. If you would like support with applying, our Money Advice team is happy to help you.
- Call 0330 159 6080 (press 3)
- Speak to us on web-chat at unitedwelsh.com (click the blue circle bottom right)
- Email tellmemore@unitedwelsh.com.
Welsh Government Council Tax Payment
The Welsh Government has announced new measures to help people during this crisis. If you live in council tax bands A to D, you will receive a £150 payment. Welsh Government is working with local authorities to make this happen and we will update this page with more information as more news is released.
Switching suppliers
If you are considering switching suppliers to avoid the new increasing energy rates, it is recommended to avoid this at the moment. Due to the state of the market, there are currently no open-market tariffs cheaper than the new cap.
This means that for most, the best option right now is to stick with your supplier.
Explainers, tips and tricks
Winter Fuel Support Scheme
Applications for the Welsh Government’s Winter Fuel Support Scheme are now open. If you’re on a qualifying benefit between 1st September 2022 and 31st January 2023 you can get £200 towards paying your fuel bills this winter – but you need to apply for it.
Action for Warm Homes: Your Home Energy Checklist
This checklist from NEA Cymru’s Action for Warm Homes initiative helps people to manage their energy bills and keep their home warm and safe this winter.
Warm Wales: Home Energy Advice
We have partnered with organisations across Caerphilly to pilot a new advice service led by Warm Wales to tackle fuel poverty. If you live with United Welsh in Caerphilly, you can receive in-depth advice and support about how to reduce energy use, manage fuel debts and switch suppliers to save money. Contact us and reference Warm Wales.
Welsh Water: Customer Assistance Fund
Welsh Water’s Customer Assistance Fund is designed to help those in severe financial hardship to clear debt and get on top of their payments. If you’re successful in receiving the fund, Welsh Water will set up monthly, fortnightly or weekly payment plans for your current year’s charges. Once you’ve made six months worth of payments, they will pay off 50% of your previous arrears. If you make payments for a further 6 months, they will then pay off the rest of your previous arrears.
Priority Services Register
If you’re living with a disability, are of pensionable age, living with chronic illness or are pregnant, you may be eligible for the Priority Services Register. You could receive priority free support to help protect you from disconnection if you struggle to pay your energy bills, or receive priority support in getting your heating back up and running in an emergency.
What happens if my energy company goes out of business?
Ofgem is the UK’s independent energy regulator and they work to protect energy consumers.
If your energy supplier goes out of business, Ofgem will ensure you always have an energy supply. Read their guide which explains what to expect if it happens to you.
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