A CITIZEN’S ADVICE
How will I cope with my bills? A local expert from Citizen’s Advice answers a question from the public. This Month: How to cope with the rising energy bills.
Q: My energy supplier recently went under and the new tariff I’ve been put on is far more than I used to pay. I’ve heard that energy prices are set to rise further and I’m not sure I can afford it. What help can I get? What changes can I make around the house to help reduce my outgoings this winter?” A: The cost of energy is very high at the moment and it is causing people to worry. Normally we would suggest switching to a better deal but the situation is very difficult at the moment and there aren’t that many good deals out there. However there are still ways you can keep your bills down. Small Things Everyday changes can help, such as making sure that electronic devices such as games consoles are switched off and not left on standby, washing clothes at a lower temperature and only filling the kettle with the water you need. Turning down your thermostat by one degree and spending a minute less in the shower can save you £££ on your energy (and water) bills. The government’s Simple Energy Advice website has lots of similar tips. 92
Through the roof for the Warm Home Discount, You’re right in another way about which cuts £140 per year from bills going through the roof - and your energy bills. Check the the walls and windows too. If government website to find out if you can afford it, one way of you are eligible to apply. cutting costs long“Turning down Support fund term is to invest in your thermostat coming good insulation. If you are renting, by one degree and The government you could ask your spending a minute recently announced landlord to do a £500m fund to less in the shower support households this. You can get can save you £££” this winter. The more information from Healthy fund is going to be Homes Dorset. You may also be distributed locally via Dorset able to get help with the costs Council but at time of writing of insulation via the Energy there is no specific detail about Company Obligation scheme. eligibility or the application Contact your energy supplier for process so keep a look out for more information. announcements about how this Depending on your financial might help you. situation, there may be some You can always call the national support available for helping Citizens Advice consumer helpline to pay your energy bills. For on 0808 223 1133 for free advice example, if you claim pension about energy costs or contact credit or other means-tested Citizens Advice in Dorset on benefits, you may be eligible 0800 144 88 48. Always free - subscribe
