Energy regulator Ofgem has today announced its price cap will fall from £4,279 to £3,280 from April.
But despite the price cap set to drop by almost £1,000, energy bills are still set to rise for millions of households.
This is because energy bills currently fall under the Energy Price Guarantee, which is set to rise from £2,500 to £3,000 from April.
The £400 energy rebate scheme - paid in six instalments of £66 and £67 a month - is coming to an end in March.
This means the actual hit to households will be far greater come April.
If you’re worried about rising energy bills, here are XX things you can do to lower your costs.
Cut your energy use
It may sound obvious, but the best way to slash your energy bill right now is to lower your consumption.
This can be through really simple measures that hopefully shouldn’t impact your lifestyle.
For example, British Gas says turning your thermostat down by just one degree could save you £115 a year on average.
You could also benefit by turning your boiler flow temperature down.
Research from the charity Nesta shows lowering the temperature from 80C to 60C could save you £112 a year on average.
Other easy things you can do to become more energy efficient include making sure lights are turned off when you leave a room and checking appliances are off standby when not in use.
Insulate your home
There are lots of cheap ways to insulate your home.
Make sure you target areas where cold air comes in - so by windows, doors and floorboards.
You can create a draught-excluder for free by stuffing an old jumper with socks and stitching it into a long snake shape.
This can be used under a door that lets air in.
For old floorboards, a cheap rug can be a good way to stop cool air blowing in.
Do regular meter readings
It's important to do regular meter readings, otherwise your energy supplier will estimate your usage and this could mean you get overcharged.
We've got a guide on how to submit a meter reading here.
If you have a smart meter, this device should send 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 generation.
Look out for cost of living payments
More cost of living payments will be sent out this year to help households who are struggling to pay their bills.
Households in receipt of certain means-tested benefits will receive £900, split into three payments throughout 2023 and 2024.
There is also a £150 disability payment coming this summer and £300 for pensioners who get Winter Fuel Payments.
Make use of energy schemes
There are several schemes that give households extra help toward paying their energy bills.
Most of them are closing soon, but they’ll reopen once again later this year.
For example, there is the Warm Home Discount scheme which offers a one-off payment of £150.
This normally runs from October to March.
There is also the Cold Weather Payment scheme, where households get £25 for each seven-day period of below zero weather.
This scheme runs between November and March 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.
Most people get paid this in November and December.
Talk to your energy provider
If you're really struggling, talk to your energy provider as soon as possible.
Your energy supplier 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.
See if you're eligible for energy hardship scheme
All the big energy firms have charitable hardship funds and grants that you may be eligible for 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.
Check with your supplier to see what help you could be entitled to.
