Essex charity warns drop in energy bills will provide “temporary relief”

Households across Essex will struggle paying their energy bills despite a drop in price, according to a local charity.

It’s after Ofgem lowered the energy price cap by 7%, meaning the average home is expected to spend £83 on energy this month, compared with £127 in June.

However, analysts have said they expect the price cap to increase in October by almost 10%, before dropping again in January 2025.

Martin Lord, Director at Citizens Advice Essex, says this price cap is only temporary relief, as bills are due to rise again ahead of the winter months.

He said: “Energy prices are still pretty high compared to how they've been historically, and loads of our clients are in what we describe as fuel poverty. We know it's a big issue and it's likely to get worse again in the winter, which of course is when people feel it most as well.

“People who can't afford to pay their heating bills, especially if they're on prepayment metres - they'll either be at risk of self-disconnection, where they've got to just run out of energy, usually at the worst of times. Or they'll be prioritising on heat or energy, as opposed to other household expenditure such as food or things like Council tax bills.”

Martin continued: “There is some relief available in the form of the Household Support Fund, which is still available until the middle of this financial year. It was something that was introduced during the COVID pandemic and it gives opportunities for charities such as Citizens Advice to access funds to support individuals directly if they're at risk of self-disconnection.

“Other than that, the consumer can contact their energy company to see whether they've got any support schemes or can offer any kind of temporary relief. We can link the client into some of our debt advice services.”

Those struggling to pay their energy bills in Essex, Southend and Thurrock can contact the local Citizens Advice by calling 0808 189 6550.

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