How to survive the winter during the current cost of living crisis.

As many of us are already aware, there is a big increase coming to our energy bills next month. It is estimated that households across the UK that are experiencing fuel poverty could reach around 6.7 million. They will be unable to afford to heat their homes to the temperature needed to keep warm and healthy, leaving them in impossible situations like having to choose to heat their home, eat or pay their rent.


'Our definition of fuel poverty is that a household is in fuel poverty if it needs to spend 10% or more than its income on energy in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.' - NEA


In October 2021, the average household energy bill was around £106pcm. With the coming rise, we could expect our monthly energy bills to be at least £270pcm and let’s not forget that it is set to rise again in the new year. The rise will mostly be affecting those on a standard variable or default tariff or those coming to the end of a fixed term tariff. This will also be affecting some of the most vulnerable people in the country.

The National Energy Action Charity are doing what they can to help everyone. If you, or someone you know are struggling, here are some simple tips to help you ensure your energy is efficient and working for you and keep your bills down as much as possible.

Contact your Energy Supplier

If your mostly worried about falling into arrears with your energy bills, the best thing you can do, is contact your suppliers. Once they know you are struggling, they are required to work with you to find a solution. This solution could be helping you set up an affordable debt repayment plan or change your current payment method to something better suited to you and your needs.

Check Support Eligibility

It is important that you have access to all the financial support you are entitled to. First thing to do would be check you’re claiming the right benefits. You could be entitled to more than you thought. This could provide you with the extra cash you need to continue paying your bills. You can check your entitlement at your local Citizens Advice (visit the branch or call the national helpline on 0808 223 1133) or by using a free online calculator.

There is also the Winter Fuel Payment. An annual payment of between £100 - £300 which aims to support older people with the cost of keeping warm in the winter. These payments are automatic between November and December if you are in receipt of your State Pension or other specific benefits. If not, you will need to apply for it – call 03459 151515 for more information.

Finally, there is also the Cold Weather Payment which is paid to eligible households who are on means tested benefits in areas where exceptionally cold weather is forecasted or has already occurred. These payments of £25 are automatic per qualifying week between November 1^st and March 31^st.

Priority Services Register

For those who are most vulnerable, you can sign up to the Priority Services register. This will enable you to receive extra help from your energy supplier and the company that operates the local energy distribution network. Pensioners, the disabled and sufferers of long-term medical conditions are eligible.

Each energy supplier and network operator maintain its own register and offer a wide range of support including:

• Information in accessible formats

• Advanced notice of power cuts

• Identification scheme

• Password protection and nominee scheme for a family member/carer

• Priority support in an emergency

• Arrangements to ensure it is safe and practical for a customer to use a prepayment meter

• Meter readings

If you are unsure if you qualify, contact your energy supplier and distribution networks to find out more.

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