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Are energy costs stressing you out?

by | 05/05/22 | Energy Financial Support, Fuel Poverty | 4 comments

You might be wondering why you are paying more for your energy…

Simple answer: The energy price cap increased. On the first of April this year the energy price cap increased by 54%.

 

What is a price cap? 

This is the limit on how much a supplier can charge for the gas or electricity per unit. This is to ensure that you aren’t overcharged for your energy by your supplier.

 

How is this worked out?

On a six-month basis, Ofgem (which is a regulatory body supervising the operation of the gas and electricity industry) work out the average costs a supplier must pay to get energy to the consumer. To ensure you get a fair price energy companies must charge the cap or below the capped price.

Why has the cap increased? 

This is due to the wholesale price of fuel, which increased for several reasons; these include the harsh winter in Europe, the recent conflict in Ukraine disrupting supply channels and producers not sufficiently increasing production to meet demand.

 

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

Here are some small simple tips that can help you lower your energy bills:

  • Turn off the heating – as we come into summer it’s naturally getting warmer so remember to switch it off in the warmer months
  • Wash your clothes at a lower temperature – this doesn’t just save on your energy it saves your clothes too!
  • Dry your clothes outside – now that it’s warmer let the sun do the work rather than the tumble dryer.

For loads more tips look through our other posts or visit our Warmer Homes West Midlands YouTube channel where we have short videos with practical tips.

 

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

We can support you in various ways:

  • You can call our freephone number 0808 196 8298 and receive information, advice and guidance from one of our qualified energy advisors.
  • Our community outreach staff can visit you in your home and carry out an energy check with you including the installation of energy efficiency measures.
  • We can also explain any grants and additional support you might be able eligible for depending on your individual circumstances and the existing energy performance of your property.

 

4 Comments

  1. Heather
    Heather on 10/07/2022 at 18:28

    I would like to know more about the warmer home grants, and how to apply.

    • Renata Michalowska
      Renata Michalowska on 04/08/2022 at 11:06

      Hi Heather, Thank you for your comment. You can call our freephone number 0808 196 8298 and receive information, advice and guidance from one of our qualified energy advisors.

  2. Claire
    Claire on 12/10/2022 at 01:46

    Hi
    My EPC has ran out, it says I’m a C rating but because it has been over 10 years since the assessment was done maybe I might have gone down to a D who knows what it has changed to. I feel like it’s a bit unfair that no one will come out to my property as the last EPC was a C but surely things will go downhill in time. Could someone help me please? I would really really appreciate any help that could be offered. Regards Claire

    • Renata Michalowska
      Renata Michalowska on 17/10/2022 at 10:52

      Hi Claire, If your EPC certificate has expired and you meet all the other eligibility criteria, we will have to look at your expired certificate and hopefully then we might be able to help. Please contact us at grants@actonenergy.org.uk advising us of your address. Thank you, WHWM Team