Energy prices are expected to rise dramatically in October with the Price Cap rise.

Read some useful info below to find out what this means and what you can do about it.

How much are Energy Prices expected to rise?

Experts expect Energy Prices to rise as much as 78% in October when Ofgem raise the Price Cap. This means a typical household might pay over £3,500 a year on bills and even more in January when the price cap rises again.

What is Ofgem and what is the Price Cap?

Ofgem is an independent regulator of Energy Companies – this means they oversee how much suppliers can charge. As Energy prices get higher the so does the ‘Price Cap’ which is the maximum amount suppliers are able to charge you.

What does this mean for me?

It means Energy Bills are expected to rise dramatically which many households will struggle to pay.

Is anything been done to support Households?

The government has issued several packages to support households

ALL UK Households will get a £400 discount on Energy Bills.

– This is called the ‘Energy Bills Support Scheme’
– It will be given out in 6 instalments of £66 a month between November and March.
– Direct Debit customers and ‘Smart’ Prepayment Meter Customers will see this discounted automatically from their bills.
– ‘Non Smart’ Prepayment customers will receive this discount as a voucher each month via text, email or in the post.
REMEMBER TO REDEEM THIS VOUCHER

Low income households will receive a Cost of living Payment if you receive any of these benefits

-Universal Credit,
-Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
-Income-related Employment and Support Allowance,
-Income Support
-Working tax credit
-Child tax credit
-Pension credit

These payments will come in two instalments of £324 and £326. One in July and another in August

The Department for Work and Pensions says that 850,000 pensioner households are failing to claim Pension Credit which they are entitled to – If you believe you are entitled to this benefit and are not receiving it please contact Sara.

What can I do to reduce Energy Usage in the home?

There are several things you can do to reduce Energy Use in the Home
– Turning off the lights and Switching devices to Stand-by (Save £75)
– Wash at a 30-degree cycle and avoid the tumble dryer (Save £58)
– Fill your dishwasher (Save £14)
– Avoid over filling the Kettle (Save £12)
– Swap a bath for a shower (Save £11)

What can I do to heat my home?

Insulating your water tank, pipes and radiators is a quick and easy way to save money on your bills.

Houses can lose lots of heat through windows, doors and gaps in the floor.
Contact Sara about ways to DIY draught proof to save money and heat in the home!

You can apply for loans and grants to heat your home more efficiently which could save money and energy in the long term

This might involve measures such as
-A new heating system
-Cavity Wall Insulation
-Windows and doors
-Roof and Loft insulation

These measures are really important and could be really valuable to help you save!

To learn more about retrofitting the home visit https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/ and contact Sara on 01324 540 888 or 07719916050 or email saraburns@forthvalleysensorycentre.org