People in Suffolk encouraged to look ahead and budget for colder months
Gas and electricity prices in England, Scotland, and Wales will rise by around 10% from Tuesday.
With changes to our energy bills coming from Tuesday - people across Suffolk are being urged to look out for each other.
Gas and electricity prices in England, Scotland, and Wales are set to go up by around 10% under the new energy price cap.
What does this mean?
Well for the typical annual dual-fuel bill (paid by direct debit), it means the total will raise to ÂŁ1,717.
Additionally, around 10 million pensioners will no longer receive winter fuel payments, leaving many vulnerable during the coldest months.
What help is available?
We spoke to Chiara Saunders is Chief Executive at Citizens Advice in Suffolk.
Citizens Advice is a national charity with local branches, it offers free confidential advice to people either in person, online, or over the phone.
Chiara told us now is the time for people to assess their finances.
"This winter will be a really good time to take stock of income and outgoings and just make sure that people do check that they have maximised their income and do check that they have reduced their outgoings to the lowest that they need to be for the essentials so that they're in a better position.
"...Now is the time to look at it, don't wait until we're in the middle of winter when it's really cold."
We asked what should people do who were relying on the winter fuel payments, she reassured us there are still plenty of options available.
"It's really important that anyone who thinks they may be eligible for pension credit applies for it, even if the pension credit is just a pound a week.
"It's the passported benefits that come with pension credit, which are so beneficial.
"...For people who are on prepayment metres, who may be able to access fuel vouchers, people who have bills who may be able to get better deals. Remember, you have to do that before the price cap kicks in."
Although heating can be expensive, Chiara stressed the importance of staying warm this winter.
"Heating the home properly is key, because if you don't heat the home properly, the danger is that you are attracting health issues that could be very damaging to yourself...And if you can't do that, there are warm rooms."
She also emphasised the importance of people coming together during difficult times to help one another.
"I think it's really important communities work together and that you're aware of people who are vulnerable in your community and you check on them."
She encourages anyone who might be struggling to reach out for help and not suffer in silence.