Energy Bills: A Warming Concern — And a Cold Spot for Households
After Ofgem finally lowered the energy price cap this weekend, many households are still sweating it out. Even with the new cap, some say their bills might still run up 13% higher than last winter – and that’s not a good headline for anyone.
Why the Cap Doesn’t Mean “I’ll Pay No More”
Ofgem’s October cap tweak nudges the average bill down from £2,074 to £1,923 over the next three months. But here’s the kicker: the cap isn’t a hard ceiling. If you’re a heavy energy user, you could still exceed that number.
Jon Brearley, Ofgem chief executive, stressed that suppliers must step up now: “There’s no excuse for suppliers not to support their customers this winter.” He’s also rolling out a new consumer code of conduct, aiming for implementation by winter break.
Voices from the Front Lines
- Simon Francis, coordinator at Warm This Winter, warned that from October 1 households will:
- pay more on standing charges
- feed more into energy firms’ profits
- find themselves in deeper debt to suppliers
- “Average energy bills are still almost double what they were three years ago, and the government help we had last winter is gone.” Francis added, “This winter is going to feel like a punch in the gut for many households.”
- He called on MPs to act on the Committee’s report, urging ministers to implement sensible recommendations promptly.
Consumer Voices
Uswitch energy spokeswoman Natalie Mathie warned that almost a quarter of consumers might keep the heating off to squeeze out savings. Shockingly, about two million households plan to survive the winter without any heating at all.
She offered some slick hacks: “If you’re hunkering down, a portable heater, hot water bottle, or an electric blanket can be lifesavers.” And a friendly nudge to get your boiler serviced before the cold hits: “There’s nothing worse than a boiler breakdown when it’s freezing outside and every engineer is busy.”
Staying Warm, Staying Smart
So, if you’re fretting over your bill, remember that you’re not alone. Keep an eye on your usage, consider those heating alternatives, and make sure your boiler is in tip‑top shape.
Below is a quick checklist to keep you cozy and your wallet a bit less thin this winter:
- Check your energy meter reading now.
- Schedule a boiler service before temperatures drop.
- Use smart thermostats to avoid temp spikes.
- Consider portable heaters or blankets if you’re going low on power.
- Keep an eye on government and energy provider updates.
Let’s keep the lights on and the hearts warm. Good luck everyone, and stay cozy!
