Coping with the rising cost of energy

For the period of July to September 2023, the Ofgem price cap will be set at £2,074 for a typical household per year.

The Energy Price Guarantee will remain in place as a safety net until the end of March 2024 should energy prices increase above £3,000 per year.

In the past we have always promoted switching energy suppliers as a way getting a better deal.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no fixed tariffs being offered by any suppliers that are meaningfully cheaper than the price cap. Although some suppliers may choose to charge less than the price cap, in reality they very rarely do, so all suppliers will likely be charging virtually the same price for their standard tariffs.

So, at the moment - there is no real advantage to switching suppliers.

If you're still on a fixed rate - stay on that until the rate comes to an end.

This will likely be cheaper than the price guarentee and so will save you money until you come to the end of your fix. At the end of your fixed rate, you will be automatically moved onto your suppliers standard rate.

If you're falling behind with your energy bills and finding it struggle to pay - talk to your supplier as soon as possible.

Under the rules from the energy regulator, Ofgem, they have to help you - usually by arranging a payment plan that you can afford. There may be other help that can be offered as well, which is on a case-by-case basis. So get in touch with them as soon as possible.

On prepay and struggling to pay?

There's plenty of help available from your supplier here as well. All suppliers offer small amounts of emergency credit if you're running really low that you can pay back when you next top up.

And there might be extra support they can provide if you can't afford to top up.

And you won't be cut off at certain times, when it's difficult to get credit from the shops (usually between 6pm and 9am Monday to Saturday, all day Sunday and on bank holidays). You'll need to pay back anything you've used during these times the next time you top up.

Hardship funds

All the big energy firms have charitable trusts and funds that can help if you're in debt and struggling to pay. There's an application process that you have to go through to access this and eligibility requirements vary. Talk to your supplier for more information.

You’ll still have gas and electricity if your energy supplier goes out of business. 

The gas and electricity regulator, Ofgem, will announce who is taking over your old supplier. They’ll usually announce who your new supplier is within a few days.

Read more on what to do if your energy supplier goes bust from Citizens Advice.

Only pay for the energy you use - do regular meter readings

Your energy supplier's estimates of the amount of energy you're using, might be way off. If they're underbilling, you could have an even bigger bill when they get your actual reading or if they're overbilling - then they'll have your money for energy you've not used. If you pay by Direct Debit, you can ask for it to be changed. 

Having a Smart Meter can also help as they send meter readings automatically to your supplier. Find out more about Smart Meters by clicking here.

Pay by Direct Debit if you can

It can cut your bills by about £90 a year on average and as it's paid automatically, you don't have to remember to pay it.

Using less energy is a simple way to save on bills

Small things like turning down the thermostat by one degree, wearing extra layers, turning lights off when you leave a room, taking shorter showers, using energy saving light bulbs and not leaving electrical items on standby can all make a difference to your bills.

Request a smart meter

Smart meters show you how much energy you are using in your home in pounds and pence. Knowing exactly what you're spending without the need to supply meter readings or getting estimated bills from your supplier can help you to budget. 

To request a smart meter, just contact your supplier. For more information about smart meters, go to the Smart Meter UK website.

Top tips to reduce your bills

Read our top tips to help lower your bills here

SmartenergyGB has some useful tips and advice if you're worried about your energy bills or falling into debt. Click here to read some tips on energy bills or debt.

If you're struggling with your fuel bills, we have a dedicated team who can help.

Just email energyteam@nottinghamcity.gov.uk and we'll get back to you.

And don't forget, if you're having money problems in general, click here to find out how our Tenancy Sustainment Team can help.