Citizens Advice in Ipswich warns increasing energy bills will force the public into greater debt
The typical household energy bill will increase by 1.2% from January 1st
Last updated 22nd Nov 2024
Citizens Advice in Ipswich says, in 50 years, its service has never been needed more.
It comes as the energy regulator Ofgem has announced the typical household bill for things like heating and cooking will be increasing by 1.2%, from £1,717 to £1,738, from January 1st.
"We've never been needed more"
Nelleke van Helfteren from Citizens Advice in Ipswich believes this announcement is bad news for all households, particularly those on a low income: "It's going to put people even further into potentially negative budgets.
"We can see that already there are over 5 million households in this country who pay more out in bills than they have coming in each month.
"Each month their debt is growing."
Advice
We asked Nelleke what advice she had for the public ahead of these changes coming into force.
She explained that people must be proactive and make an effort to get ahead of this, not only for their bank balance but for their own health: "We advise all people who come to us for help to make sure that their homes are set up to be as energy efficient as possible.
"We recommend people read their metres to make sure that they know exactly when the new tariff came in and they're not overcharged at the new cost.
"Use warm spaces where they're available."
She also encouraged people to reach out to their providers as soon as possible to see if they can arrange a repayment plan or go onto a different tariff.
She explained that for some people the best option might be to change their provider altogether and find what works for them.
Nelleke also reminded us that people do not need to feel embarrassed about coming to them for help as they can assist people in multiple areas: "Energy debt is one of the highest hitters for us now.
"We help people as much as we can.
"Where grants are possible, we help people apply for them.
"We can help people manage their budgets and their outgoings to make sure that they've got enough to pay for things.
"Emergency aid is also available to people."
What's the Government doing to help?
The Government says those who are struggling with their energy bills - and eligible for help - can apply for support through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.