As winter approaches, over 700,000 Brits may face tough choices on heating
London: Last winter, around 700,000 people in the UK had to turn off their heating at least once due to high energy costs. Now, with another cold snap on the way, many are getting anxious about their bills again.
The new energy price cap is set at £1,738 for a typical household using both gas and electricity. That’s a 1.2% increase from the previous cap. It’s a tough pill to swallow for families already feeling the pinch.
The Resolution Foundation pointed out that self-disconnection isn’t just about being cold. It can lead to stress and feelings of shame, especially when people are waiting for benefits. It’s a tough cycle.
Even when people can’t afford to top up their pre-payment meters, the standing charges keep piling up. This can lead to debts that make it even harder to get back on track.
It’s estimated that about four million households relying on pre-payment meters will need to spend over 30% of their income just to stay warm this winter. And many of these households are already in debt to their energy suppliers.
The Resolution Foundation also highlighted that families are facing a tough choice: either spend a huge chunk of their income on heating or live in cold conditions that can harm their health.
For those struggling, there are some options for help. British Gas has reopened its Energy Support Fund, offering grants up to £2,000 to help with energy debts.
They also provide £10 emergency credit if you can’t top up right away, but remember, you’ll need to pay that back with your next top-up.
Another option is the Household Support Fund, which helps with food, energy, and water bills. Each council has different eligibility rules, so it’s worth checking what’s available in your area.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme is also there for vulnerable households, providing £25 a week if temperatures drop below freezing for a week.
Lastly, Octopus Energy offers £10 emergency credit for those with smart meters. Just activate it on your display or by using your key or card if you have a non-smart meter.
