The price of gas and electricity has soared today for millions of households, as a new energy scheme has came into place.
The Energy Price Guarantee, which has replaced the original Ofgem price cap, is set at £2,500 for the 'typical' household. However, people are being warned that this isn't a total cap on their bills.
Like the Ofgem cap, what the new energy scheme will do is cap the unit rates you’re charged for gas and electricity, plus the standing charges. So, if you use more energy, you'll pay more - but use less and you'll pay less.
The Energy Price Guarantee is higher than the previous Ofgem price cap, which was £1,971 - but it's lower than the £3,549 that energy bills were meant to rise by this month.
If you’re concerned about your bills, the Mirror has explained ten simple energy checks to make today.
1. Turn your appliances off standby
When electrical devices are left on standby, they are still using power from the socket to allow them to run at a low level.
For example, with your TV, leaving it on standby means it is still drawing power so it can respond to signals from the remote control.
Go around your home and make sure anything you're not using is switched off at the wall. You can also check out our list of the top five energy-draining household appliances.
2. Be more conscious of your energy use
One way to lower your energy bills is to simply use less energy.
There are a few small changes you can make, such as turning your thermostat down by 1C, saving you around 10% on your energy bill. Washing your clothes at 30C also uses around 40% less energy.
We've rounded up 10 ways to reduce your daily energy usage.
3. Turn your boiler down
Boilers run best at around 55C if possible, but many actually run at higher temperatures.
Harland Guscott, a boiler engineer and owner of Guscott Heating Services, said that for every 10C cut you make, your gas bill falls by 6% to 8%.
The average three-person home uses around 12,000kWh of gas a year, working out at around £840 a year at current price cap levels, with an additional £98.55 a year in standing charges which you pay regardless how much gas you use.
That example home could save £50 to £67.20 if they were able to cut their boiler temperature by just 10C.
4. Make your home more energy efficient
There are plenty of cost-effective ways to keep your home insulated this winter.
For example, you can create a draught-excluder for free by stuffing an old jumper with socks and stitching it into a long snake shape. These can be placed under a door that lets air in.
For old floorboards, a cheap rug can be a good way to stop cool air blowing in from underneath.
5. Take meter readings regularly
It's important to let your energy supplier know your meter readings frequently, as they will get a better idea of your energy usage and not overcharge you.
If you have a smart meter, this device should sent readings automatically for you - although they've not been without issues.
In some circumstances, your supplier may also be unable to connect to your meter automatically - for example, if it's an older model.
6. Register for Priority Services
The Priority Services Register is a free support service for vulnerable people.
People in need could get advance notice of planned power cuts, priority support in an emergency and help with reading their meter.
To qualify for this support, you'll need to meet certain criteria such as being a pensioner or having a long-term medical condition.
You'll also need to ask your energy supplier to join the register.
7. Look out for cost of living payments
These are available for certain households amid the cost of living crisis.
Households in receipt of certain means-tested benefits will receive £650 - the first half of this, worth £326, has already been sent out.
There is also a £150 disability payment and £300 for pensioners who get Winter Fuel Payments.
8. Get energy help
There are certain energy schemes that provide extra support to vulnerable households.
The Warm Home Discount scheme is a one-off payment of £150 distributed by energy suppliers, which will open again in November.
You should get the payment automatically if your energy supplier is part of the scheme and you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit.
You may also qualify if you get a different “qualifying benefit” and you have high energy costs.
Through the Cold Weather Payment scheme, households get £25 for each seven-day period of below zero weather.
This scheme runs between November 1 and March 31 each year.
Or if you're a pensioner, you might be eligible for between £100 and £300 in Winter Fuel Payments - plus you'll get an extra £300 on top through a one-off cost of living payment, as we mentioned above.
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you're likely to qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment - as long as you lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week.
The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September.
9. Talk to your energy provider
If you are really struggling, get in touch with your supplier - ideally before you miss a payment.
Not paying your gas or electricity bill can result in serious consequences, including damaging your credit score, court action and visits from debt collectors.
Your energy provider should be able to offer you tailored support, such as a payment plan. It's also worth asking them if you're definitely on their cheapest deal, and switch if you need to.
10. Apply for an energy hardship scheme
All the big energy firms have charitable hardship funds and grants that you might be able to access if you’re struggling.
For example, the British Gas Energy Trust can be accessed by anyone - not just its customers - providing you meet the eligibility criteria.
Citizens Advice has rounded up everything you need to know about energy hardship grants and funds.
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