1 week Ago By [email protected] (Nicholas Dawson)
Households with British Gas, OVO and other energy providers have been encouraged to accumulate energy credit as we approach winter and bills rise. Five million low-income households are currently lacking any energy credit. Research from Uswitch.
com reveals that one in 10 homes (11%) with an annual income of less than £20,000 are already in debt to their energy supplier. They owe an average of £163. It's recommended for bill payers to build up energy credit during the summer months as a buffer for the colder periods of the year.
However, the national picture is somewhat brighter, with only eight percent of households in energy debt as winter approaches, down from 11 percent last year. Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, commented to say: "Households use more energy over the winter, so for the majority paying via direct debit it’s ideal to have a cushion of about two months’ worth of energy credit at this point in the year.
"It’s worrying that five million of the lowest-income households are going into winter with no buffer against higher bills. If your energy account is going into debt or you are behind on your bill payments, speak to your supplier as soon as possible. "Our eligibility guide is a quick and easy way to see if you might be entitled to additional support such as hardship funds and other energy help schemes.
While it’s important that vulnerable customers can access the help already out there, we urge the Government to consider what more could be done for those most in need." You can check your eligibility for energy bills support using Uswitch's guide, available here . Additionally, contacting your energy supplier is advisable to inquire if they offer grants or have a hardship fund for those in debt or who are otherwise struggling financially.
Cold Weather Payment - £25 per seven day cold weather spell Winter Heating Payment - £58.75 Child Winter Heating Payment - £251.50 Winter Fuel Payment - £200 or £300 Warm Home Discount - £150.
