The North East - as well as many other parts of the UK - has this week been hit by plummeting snow and vast temperature drops as Christmas fast approaches. And while December can be an extremely costly months through gift giving traditions, many will be feeling an extra squeeze this year through the ongoing cost of living crisis, impacting energy bills and food costs alike.
With energy prices in particular continuing to skyrocket, while temperatures continue to drop, energy suppliers across the UK have been forced to share updated advice to billpayers struggling to make ends meet.
January 2023's energy price cap as set out by regulatory body Ofgem is set to rise to an eye-watering £4,279 - based on average household consumption on a basic supplier tariff. The increase will see a price rise of £356.58 - which is almost £200 more than the average monthly cost this time in 2021.
Read more: British Gas engineer shares 'little wins' that could knock £145 off energy bills
The MEN reports that on top of government support - including £300 extra to pensioners, £150 Warm Home Discount for people on lower incomes and up to £900 for households on means tested benefits - energy suppliers across the board have installed more advice to keep households warm over the winter without going completely broke in the process.
Here, we explain all of the funds you can potentially access.
Shell Energy 'top-up' the warm homes discount
Shell has boasted an abundance of energy saving tips this Christmas, inclusive of advice on light decoration costs, cooking fees and an advised thermostat sweet spot. Their latest piece of knowledge however could save customers a little under £100 per year on energy - and it's something that households can put to good use over the festive period should they have guests staying.
Shell's advice is stated on their website: "Keeping a handle on your thermostat is probably the surest way to limit the energy you use, so long as you’re not noticing the difference. Try turning the room thermostat down by just one degree.
"By doing this, it’s estimated that the typical household could save £85 a year on energy."
Shell is also giving its customers an extra £150 top up on the Government's £150 Warm Home discount (a total of £300 overall) to help combat rising energy prices this winter. To be eligible, you must receive any of the following; Jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit, universal credit, chid tax credit, income support, income-related employment and support allowance, working tax credits or pension credit.
Shell also points its customers towards the Government's Cold Weather Payments initiative - which automatically issues £25 payments to people on certain benefits should the temperature drop below 0C for seven days in a row.
To apply visit Gov.co.uk, here.
£1,500 from British Gas
The British Gas Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund allows those in serious need of financial assistance to alleviate some of their monetary woes. Applicants have to show a clear interest in wanting to eradicate their debts by using the grant though.
The strict criteria states that you need to be spending more than 10 per cent of your income on energy itself, and have less than £1,000 in savings. You must also have previous energy debts of a minimum of £250 and you must be able to show that you have previously sought advice from debt charities or money advisers.
If you unfortunately don't qualify, the supplier also has a litany of discounts on winter deals this year - including 50 per cent off boiler cover, boiler repairs from £75, and a completely free Hive Thermostat should you purchase a more energy efficient boiler.
You can see all of British Gas' deals, here.
Other support funds
- E.ON - Helps customers pay bills and replace old, non-energy efficient appliances.
- Bulb £150 grant - Customers can apply for more energy efficient white goods, fridges, freezers and cookers, that will help customers save on day-to-day electricity costs. The application can be found on the debt advice page, and customers will need their account number and debt balance.
- OVO Energy Payment Freeze - £50 Customer Support Package which includes a variety of steps to help pay heating bills.
- EDF Support Fund - Customers are also eligible to have a smart meter fitted into their home for free with EDF. An emergency £10 credit if their smart meter falls below £1.
Citizens Advice
Citizen's Advice also frequently shares its own updated energy details for households - family or individual - which are struggling with the current energy crisis. As well as sharing the Government's range of incentives and schemes, the organisation also touts top tips on bagging fuel vouchers and how to check your landlord's energy payment should you be a renter.
- Does your landlord pay for energy? If your landlord gets a discount on energy from a government scheme, they must share it with you as the tenant. You can check here.
- How to get a Government fuel voucher - if you're struggling to top up prepayment meter, get a voucher to add onto fuel card or electricity key. Check requirements, here.
- Rebate for certain health conditions - If you use an oxygen concentrator for a disability or health condition, you can get money back for the cost of running medical machines. Information can be found, here.
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