UPDATE OCTOBER 2021
In 'normal' times, the average household can save £200 by changing energy company and we would be saying that if you haven't switched in the last couple of years then the chances are that there may be something cheaper available.
However, we are currently in unprecedented times where gas prices have risen significantly. The government's price cap limits how much energy suppliers can charge their customers on a standard variable rate. This is currently lower than the true price of energy so all suppliers are charging the maximum they are allowed to which is pretty much the same amount across all energy suppliers. Click here for more information on current tips on dealing with your energy bills and tariffs.
You may be able to apply for the Warm Home Discount. This is a government scheme which gives a one-off payment of £140 to eligible households over the winter. There are 2 parts of the scheme:
Most of the big energy suppliers have Trust Funds that can help with clearing debts on energy accounts, see for example the British Gas one here. If you are on a low income and there was a good reason why you built the debt up in the first place then it would be worth looking into the Trust Funds. We have helped households clear debts of between £200 and £6,400. Contact us for more information.
Yes if you don't have any debt on them. British Gas, E.ON, EDF, Npower, SSE and Scottish Power will now exchange prepayment meters for credit meters free of charge but most will run a credit check first. There are much more competitive tariffs available for customers who have credit meters so it is definitely worth considering. If you rent from a private landlord it is a good idea to get their written permission first before having a prepayment meter taken out. Visit the Money Saving Expert for more information.
You should think about it if you have more bedrooms than people in the house. Yorkshire Water will fit a meter for free providing they can fit it where they want to. You then have two years to change your mind so if you find you are paying more you can change back to the unmetered charges. Typical prices on a meter for average water users are:
- 1 person = £252 per year; 2 people = £398; 3 people = £486; 4 people = £587; 5 people = £703 (2018/19 prices)
Yes, Yorkshire Water offers a number of schemes that can help with water bills:
1) Community Trust. This will help customers who are in arrears with their water bills.
2) Water Sure: This can help cap the water bills for low income households who have a water meter but where a) a household member has a medical condition which means they use more water than average or b) have three or more children under 19
3) Water Support: If you are a low income household and your annual water bill is more than £430 then this scheme can also help to reduce your water costs
For more information on Yorkshire Water's schemes click here
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