Energy Price Cap Rise of 54% The Government has announced a rise to their price cap, which will impact energy prices for most people in the UK from 1 April 2022. The increase is driven by a record rise in global gas prices over the last six months, with wholesale prices quadrupling in the last year. It will affect default tariff customers who haven’t switched to a fixed deal and those who remain with their new supplier after their previous supplier exited the market. The price cap allows energy companies to pass on all reasonable costs to customers, including increases in the cost of buying gas. Since the price cap was last updated in August, the current level does not reflect the unprecedented record rise in gas prices which has since taken place. Under the price cap mechanism, energy companies will be allowed to pass on these higher costs from April when the new level takes effect. This is because energy companies cannot afford to supply electricity and gas to their customers for less than they have paid for it. Help is available If you are struggling to pay for energy bills, you should contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for extra help with your energy bills or services, such as debt repayment plans, payment breaks, emergency credit for prepayment meters, priority support and schemes like the Winter Fuel Payment or Warm Home Discount rebate.
Breathing Space Scheme This is a scheme to give households time to receive debt advice and find a solution to sort out their debt problems. Breathing Space will last for 60 days as long as applicants remain eligible, during which time all creditors who have been included will be informed and must stop any collection or enforcement activity. Once the breathing space ends, creditors will be able to collect the debt in the usual way. For advice call the National Debtline on Freephone 0808 808 4000 or visit www.nationaldebtline.org The Citizens Advice consumer service can provide advice on how customers can resolve problems with their energy provider. You can contact Citizens Advice via webchat, or by calling 0808 223 1133. Switching suppliers Utility Helpline is a privately-owned, 100% independent business specialising in finding the best, unbiased gas and electricity prices for thier customers. Their teams are never under any pressure to hit targets, inflate margins, or steer customers towards a particular deal. Instead, they are motivated to deliver a great service, offer unbiased advice, and pass powerful savings through to their customers. For a quote call David on 07976 449565 or dcramp@utilityhelpline.co.uk.
