Coventry charity warns some may miss out on cheaper energy bills
Energy bill prices will fall to their lowest point in two years, after Ofgem lowered its price cap in response to wholesale prices
Last updated 16th Apr 2024
A charity in Coventry is worried some vulnerable people could miss out on cheaper energy bills, if they're unable to send in their meter readings.
Around 10 million households in the UK are being advised to send their energy meter readings to their supplier this weekend to ensure they do not overpay when cheaper prices come into effect on April 1.
The average household energy bill is to fall to its lowest point in two years from next month after Ofgem lowered its price cap in response to wholesale prices.
Chief Executive at Coventry Citizens Advice, Jon Perry, says a lowered price cap is welcome but he believes many people won’t feel the benefit.
He said: “People who have trouble reading their metres and people who don't get the message will lose out. They will be disadvantaged, and they are probably the people that need to benefit the most.
“There is also another issue that we're concerned with and that is temporary and social housing, where people don't have metres but are being charged directly as a proportion of their rent by the landlords. We're really hoping that those savings are going to be passed on.
“But there is two groups right there who may not benefit from the price reductions and they are the people that need it the most. We are reminding people that it's a really good idea to send in a metre reading towards the end of the month, but a lot of people do find that difficult.”
Mr Perry continued: “Any reduction is really welcome and for some people, even a very small weekly outgoing reduction makes a huge difference to their lives. Even a few pounds a week makes a huge difference to some of our clients, and they'll be very welcome as long as they do see the benefit.
“Depending on their circumstances and I think the benefit to the average person is something like £4 or £5 a week - that makes a huge difference to people who are at the most disadvantaged end.”