How to Get Cheaper Energy

Recent research suggests that the cost of household energy bills could rise as much as 40% in the coming year. So it makes sense that you act now in order to save yourself from rising energy costs, which could land you with debt management problems.

1. Are you entitled to benefits? – There are benefits out there which enable you to reduce your energy bills. For example, if you are over 60 you could claim a tax-free Winter Fuel Payment. Most of the major companies also offer social tariffs which can offer energy bill discounts to those who are most financially vulnerable, such as those claiming pension or income support. Contact your energy provider to see if you are eligible.
2. Turn off when not needed – There is no point for paying for something which you are not fully using. To be cost-effective you need to get into the habit of turning things off at the wall. Research suggests that 75% of the energy used to power our homes is used through ‘switched off’ devices, such as leaving the television on standby or leaving your laptop on a screen saver instead of turning it off properly. This wastage costs British households an estimated £800 million a year in energy bills.
3. Check your bills – Research suggests that 16 million utility consumers are being over overcharged due to their utility bills being based on an inaccurate estimate. See if your energy bills are based on estimated readings by checking your bill for the letter “E”, which means that the cost is estimated.
4. Control your debt – You may find that you are struggling to manage all of your outgoings and that your debt is getting so out of control that you cannot afford payments to your utility suppliers.

Remember that your utility bills are classed as priority debts. They should always be paid over your unsecured debt as failure to do so may mean that you will lose the service. If you feel as though you are going to struggle to meet your next payment, you need to contact your energy supplier as soon as possible so that you can explain your circumstances.

One Advice can help make your unaffordable unsecured debt more affordable through lower monthly payments to your creditors. Being deep in debt does not mean that you will have to declare bankruptcy, as there are other alternatives.

Contact us today for further debt advice on 0800 048 1752.