Help with energy costs

With costs still remaining high, we’re all keeping a much closer eye on our energy usage. If you’re struggling with your energy bills, we have compiled some useful information to help save you energy and money.

Hardship funds

A number of energy companies will have hardship funds available to help customers who have fallen into debt with them. You should check the website of your energy supplier to see if they have a fund, and whether you are eligible. Below are the links to some of the main energy suppliers:

• OVO Energy
• Octopus Energy
• British Gas
• EON Energy
• Scottish Power
• EDF Energy

Switching energy providers or tariffs

Ofgem research finds comparing and switching supplier or energy tariff can make a big difference to your gas and electricity bills. Before you decide to switch, you should start by checking which type of meter you have and find out if your contract has an ‘exit fee’ for leaving early. You can usually find this information on your bill, and look at your current suppliers tariffs for comparison.

If you’ve applied for the Warm Home Discount but not yet received it, you’ll have to apply again if you switch supplier – check if your new supplier has different eligibility requirements before confirming any switch. See below for a number of Ofgem accredited energy switching sites:

• USwitch
• Simply Switch
• Energy Helpline
• The Energy Shop
• Money Super Market

Smart Meters

If you’re wanting to keep track of your household energy, a smart meter is handy device that helps you keep record of how much electricity and/or gas your house is using. Smart meters allow customers to see how much energy they are using with an in-home display which helps to keep track of how much various devices are costing them while in use.

Using a smart meter can be a great way of understanding which appliances are costing more to run and allow you to consider whether to reduce their usage. Smart meters also send your data accurately to the energy supplier meaning that bills are produced accurately instead of estimations, allowing you to budget better and not be hit with an unexpected bill.

If you’re wanting to install a smart meter, speak to your energy provider.

Want more information on smart meters?

Why not head over to Swansea MAD to see smart meter myths as well as information on a range of sessions they provide for support and guidance surrounding energy bills.