Quarter of Cornwall households might not be able to pay energy bills, charity warns
Citizens Advice says it is already seeing a 50% increase in people needing help
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
After the regulator announced it was upping the energy price cap, Citizens Advice Cornwall has raised concerns that one-in-four households across Cornwall could be unable to pay their energy bills from October.
Of those one-in-four, 50% are not on means-tested benefits and will not receive any financial support.
The charity says the figures highlight that people not on means-tested benefits could be hit the hardest, including those on disability related benefits, as this crisis deepens.
It has already seen a 50% increase in people needing support with energy issues and a 23% increase in people in fuel debt compared to the same time last year.
80% more people have also accessed the service with threatened homelessness compared with the same time last year.
The increase in need for its services will put additional pressure on the already stretched charity, who are calling on the public and businesses to help raise the funds needed to recruit and train more staff and volunteers to cope.
Chief Executive, Gill Pipkin, said: "The current crisis is forecast to continue into 2023, and more people will find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
"Our resources are already stretched, and we need additional funding to recruit and train more volunteer advisers, supervisors and administrators to help meet demand.
"If you can donate funds or time to help those most in need, Citizens Advice Cornwall are looking forward to hearing from you".
Citizens Advice Cornwall launched a Crowdfunder appeal after seeing more people unable to pay their bills, afford fuel, falling behind on debts and in urgent need of help as they face the stark choice of heating or eating.
"The crisis also means they are now seeing more people who are in work, but who are simply unable to meet day to day living costs.
Read more: Cornwall's second home owners urged to donate energy rebates to charity
Community Fundraising Manager, Tamsin Chapman-Gunner, said: "The cost of living crisis is affecting so many people, we are doing our best to help but we need the support of those who aren't in need to be able to help those that are.
"There are many ways you can support us, from donating to our Crowdfunder appeal to running a fundraising event for us, maybe you have had the rebate but you can afford to donate it? Or do you have some spare time and can volunteer, whatever you can do it will make a difference".
Last year the charity helped over 9,000 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, a number they expect to keep growing.
Tips to save money on energy
Switch off appliances at the plug
Switching appliances off standby can save you roughly £45 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Most electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without affecting any programming. You can also get a standby saver or smart plug which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go.
If you need to replace anything, you can cut your electricity bills by choosing the most energy-efficient model.
Keep the heat in
You can lose heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, or through the chimney. Drought proofing your home can save around £25 a year on energy bills. Double glazing is also much better at keeping heat in than single glazing, something to consider if you're replacign your windows.
Insulating both your loft and cavity walls can save you as much as £290 a year. Laying loft insulation to a thickness of 270mm in a typical non-insulated three-bedroom semi could trim £135 a year from energy bills, as less heat will be lost through the roof.
Install and use central heating controls
Having a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves could save a typical home £75 a year.
Smart thermostats mean you can operate your heating remotely via the internet using your mobile phone, tablet or computer. Some can also learn your routine or adjust your settings depending on the weather forecast, meaning you only use what you need.
Smart thermostatic radiator valves, also enables you to control exactly which rooms are heated, and which aren't if they're not regularly used.
Get your boiler serviced or replaced
According to the Energy Savings Trust; condensing gas boilers typically have the lowest running costs to provide heating and hot water. If you currently heat your house using electricity, it's likely your bills are higher than the UK average.
For most households, central heating is responsible for more than half of your energy bill each year, so replacing an old, inefficient gas boiler with a modern energy-efficient one could make a big difference to your payments, although obviously it would cost money to have installed.
Turn off lights if you’re not using them
It's a simple one, but something we can all do - turn your lights off when you're not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you money on your annual energy bills.
LED Lights
Speaking of lights, switching to LED lights can also save you a lot of money. LEDs are the most energy-efficient light bulbs around, and use almost 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
An LED light bulb costs around £1.71 a year to run, compared to £8.42 for an old-style halogen bulb. When you add up all the lightbulbs in your house, that can mean some big savings.
Save money on washing
Try to use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures, particularly if the clothes aren't too dirty. It will save energy heating up the water.
Avoid using a tumble dryer for your clothes: dry clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather to save cash.
Also make sure you don't run a half empty washer or dishwasher, only running these appliances when they're full means fewer washes which saves energy and water and of course – money.
Spend less time in the shower
Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £70 (£35 in NI) a year on their energy bills according to the Energy Saving Trust (Aug 22)
Be wiser with how you use electricity in your kitchen
Avoid overfilling the kettle to save money on your electricity bill.
You could also consider fitting an aerator onto your existing kitchen tap to reduce the amount of water coming out without affecting how it washes or rinses. An aerator is a small gadget with tiny holes – they attach to the spout of taps and are cheap and easy to install.
And as mentioned before - only run your dishwasher when it is full to reduce the amount of water and electricity you use.