Thousands to face higher energy bills as Ofgem price cap announces increases to typical household bills of £1,717 a year. Aug 23, 2024

The anticipated announcement came today of the rise in the energy price cap resulting in many across the country facing an increase of £149 on their energy bills this winter.

A typical household, using an average amount of gas and electricity, will pay £1,717 a year which is a 10% increase. With temporary support for rising bills being cut, the winter fuel payments being scrapped for 10 million pensioners and the final cost of living payment being made in February, many residents will already be worried about turning on their heating.

Prices may be lower than last year and may have fallen twice this year, yet they remain higher than pre pandemic levels. And with less support available, thousands will be worse off, and experts are warning of a further rise of energy costs to come in January.

The cap, set by the energy regulator Ofgem, affects the price paid for each unit of gas and electricity used in 27 million homes in England, Wales and Scotland. Standing charges are also rising - by one penny a day for gas and for electricity.

Worried about high bills?

Despite being in a double income household, Ben from West Yorkshire is struggling with energy bills due to the high costs.

“My wife and I both work, don’t have kids, have few outgoings and yet we are in hundreds of pounds of energy debt – as it just costs so much.

We’re never eligible for any additional help as we both earn over certain amounts – yet with the high costs of fuel (alongside everything else) we’re struggling.

I can only imagine that if we’re struggling, there are so many people out there who are in worse positions than us.

We spoke to YES Energy Solutions, and have received both a home visit and some of the Support Fund – that has not only helped us in the immediate with relief on our fuel debt – but the advice helps us in the long-term making changes we would never have known without asking”

Get help from YES Energy Solutions

Community Interest Company YES Energy Solutions can help households across Great Britain to alleviate their fuel poverty and reduce their CO2. Last year they helped over 11,000 households save up to £500 on their yearly energy bills – through their dedicated team of energy experts.

Whether you are a homeowner, private renter or live in social housing, YES can help with energy bill worries, questions about lowering your bills and more with their wrap around holistic support service. They also run schemes which install energy efficiency measures to once and for all reduce you energy and keeping your heat in your home..

With their energy support fund, payments are available to householders. These depend on how you pay for energy and include payments direct to energy suppliers, fuel vouchers to help people using prepayment meters and contributions towards the costs of oil and bottled gas.

Alongside this crisis support, every customer is invited to receive energy saving advice which can help them to permanently reduce their energy costs, as well as check their eligibility for free insulation works at their property.

The Advice line is free for anyone across Great Britain to call, text or email for help with high energy bills.

YES Energy Solutions CEO Duncan McCombie said:

“Bills are going to be lower than the same time last year, but this recently announced hike means they remain a massive barrier to having the cosy comfortable home.

We encourage householders to determine what the change means for them as every household is different. Simply add 10% to your current bill to get a rough idea.

“Whether you’re just about managing with your bills or feeling utterly snowed under and overwhelmed by the idea of a price increase, our advisors can provide tailored support. Our down-to-earth advisors will work with you to assess your specific circumstances and understand how we can help.

With the average caller saving around £500 on their annual bills, there’s never been a better time to speak to YES.”

If you are a pensioner who is now no longer receiving the winter fuel payment, if you are making the decision between heating and eating, or if you’re just struggling to get by on your energy bills – contact YES Energy Solutions today.

Call: 03301 359 110
Text: ADVICE to 82228
Email: advicecentre@yesenergysolutions.co.uk
Visit: yesenergysolutions.co.uk/services/yes-advice-line

YES Energy Solutions CEO Duncan McCombie

Share this story