Gloucester hub says "there is help out there" as the energy price cap increases
On average, gas and electric bills will rise by 10% for UK households
The average household energy bill will increase by £149 a year as Ofgem raises its price cap just as the winter months begin.
The regulator has raised the cap from the current £1,568, a year for a typical household on gas and electricity in England, Scotland and Wales to £1,717, a year or about £12 a month more on average bills.
The price cap is set every three months and affects the price paid for each unit of gas and electricity.
But a community hub in Dursley says that help and support is out there. Jo Cole from GL11 community hub said:
"There's a lot of hubs and warm spaces that were set up during the peak of the cost of living crisis and a lot of them are still going. So it's just a matter of finding your local one, going down there and getting the help and support you need."
"There's always someone on hand that you can talk to"
As well as providing a warm space and a listening ear, the hub can offer advice on bill worries.
"You can have home visits, someone will come to your home and check how energy efficient you house is and what you can do to save money" Jo said.
Citizens advice Gloucestershire also had some advice for anyone worrying about paying bills this winter. Mark Cardwell is the communications and campaigns officer:
"Check if you're entitled to any benefits that will help with the price rise. If you're a pensioner concerned about the winter field payments you could apply for pension credit."
He also suggests to speak to your energy provider in terms of payments and you can contact Citizens Advice who have trained specialists to explain any concerns with energy bills.