With energy bills soaring what help is out there to reduce bills?
This week is Big Energy Saving Week, run by Citizens Advice and the Energy Saving Trust.
We all know that this coming year is going to be incredibly tough for us all with energy bills. But there is a little (not nearly enough!) help out there…
How to save money on and complain about, energy – contains links to various helpful posts about any issue you may be having with your supplier, your rights, how to get it sorted and gain redress.
Big Energy Saving Week: how to check and query huge energy bills – my article on The Motley Fool about how you can check your bills and complain if you think your bill is wrong.
Talk TV talking energy prices 01/10/22
The price cap drop announced 25/05/23
The Energy price cap drop
Help with energy bills
If you are really struggling to pay your energy bills, notify your supplier as soon as possible because you may be able to set up a payment plan.
Ofgem provides help with links from its page Getting help if you can’t afford your energy bills. Its rules state that suppliers must work with you to help you if you are in financial difficulty.
This might include setting up a payment plan, payment breaks, more time to pay, access to hardship funds or providing details to the Priority Register. If you are vulnerable you should be on your supplier’s list.
There may also be access to hardship funds and grants from various other organisations. You may also be able to get 60 days’ space from creditors to focus on getting debt advice and setting up a debt solution.
You can also get debt advice from Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline.
Go to Turn2Us who provide information and advice on what help is available including charities that will help you pay your bills.
In summary, if you are having problems talk to your energy supplier, they are obliged to help you.
The Complaining Cow Consumer Show
I spoke to Sara Williams from DebtCamel about debt management and what consumers can do on on my East London Radio The Complaining Cow Consumer Show. She also advises on where not to go for help and what to avoid, especially scams.
Refusing to pay your energy bill
As tempting as it may be to cancel your Direct Debit in protest, this is likely to cause you more problems. You will be chased for the money, often with additional costs. Your supplier could enforce a pre-payment meter (which would be more expensive than paying by Direct Debit). It could even cut off your energy supply It will affect your credit score too.
Further help with complaining effectively
Top 20 Tips How to complain effectively
If you need more help, information and tips with how to quote Acts, template letters and advice on how to complain effectively don’t forget the GET THE BOOK! How To Complain: The ESSENTIAL Consumer Guide to Getting REFUNDS, Redress and RESULTS!
101 Habits of an Effective Complainer provides you with more tips
Purchase and download templates to gain redress swiftly
Templates for complaining about utilities
Ways to save money various posts on how to save money on shopping and services.
