Consumeradvice

Energy

I live in the countryside and use electricity from the grid for heating and lighting but use solid fuel to try and keep costs down. The cost of all my energy has dramatically increased, and I am finding myself cutting back to the point I am freezing in my own home. Can you help?

  The cost of energy has increased considerably for everyone, but people who rely on off-grid or unregulated fuel such as oil, coal, or wood face additional challenges. People in rural and remote areas are often reliant on electricity, and often an additional unregulated fuel, usually used for heating. These fuels are not subject to …

I live in the countryside and use electricity from the grid for heating and lighting but use solid fuel to try and keep costs down. The cost of all my energy has dramatically increased, and I am finding myself cutting back to the point I am freezing in my own home. Can you help? Read More »

I moved into my first home in November last year after living with my parents and provided the electric and gas meter readings to my supplier. I have received a massive energy bill that I was not expecting and do not have a clue what half of it means. Can you help?

Energy bills can be confusing at first, with lots of information and abbreviations, and understanding them can be challenging. The bill should outline information about your account, including your personal details; your account reference number; the period you are being charged for; as well as the readings and amount you owe to the energy company. …

I moved into my first home in November last year after living with my parents and provided the electric and gas meter readings to my supplier. I have received a massive energy bill that I was not expecting and do not have a clue what half of it means. Can you help? Read More »

I’m considering purchasing an electric blanket as a way of keeping warm at home without putting the heating on but struggling to get a reasonably priced one from bigger retailers. I’ve seen cheap copycat ones online but have had problems in the past. What would you recommend?

The cost of energy has increased significantly, and with most of us facing hikes in bills, many are looking at ways of keeping costs down and alternative ways to keep warm in our homes. Many agencies are encouraging people to ‘heat the person’ as opposed to the whole house. This advice appears to work for …

I’m considering purchasing an electric blanket as a way of keeping warm at home without putting the heating on but struggling to get a reasonably priced one from bigger retailers. I’ve seen cheap copycat ones online but have had problems in the past. What would you recommend? Read More »

Prepayment Meters this Christmas: Staying On Supply & Getting the Support You Need

With many energy suppliers and sources of support closed over the Christmas and New Year periods, it’s important that we get our ducks in a row early enough to make sure that we don’t go off supply. With approximately 300,000 prepayment customers in Scotland, it is important for us to understand how this type of …

Prepayment Meters this Christmas: Staying On Supply & Getting the Support You Need Read More »

Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS) Payments (EBRS and EPG Schemes) through landlords / intermediaries

In September we looked at the Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS), and how payments are being made through the scheme to help with energy costs between October 2022 and March 2023. The package of support for all eligible UK households is providing £400 to help offset energy price increases, with the discount being supplied monthly, …

Energy Bill Support Scheme (EBSS) Payments (EBRS and EPG Schemes) through landlords / intermediaries Read More »

Cost-of-Living – Making the Most of Our Energy & the Support Available

Increases to prices and the cost-of-living are affecting us all. With energy costs soaring and inflation making everyday items increasingly expensive, it’s more important now than ever to understand the ways we can reduce our outgoings, and to be aware of the sources of support that are available that can help. It’s not always easy …

Cost-of-Living – Making the Most of Our Energy & the Support Available Read More »

The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) – Your Questions Answered

With the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) payments set to kick off from the 1st of October, many are wondering what this will mean for them, how this will work, and when they will see the benefit. Prime Minster Liz Truss has previously confirmed a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ to halt escalating annual bills for …

The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) – Your Questions Answered Read More »

I am really struggling with all my bills lately, with my gas and electric bills overdue, and my supplier is threatening to move me onto a prepayment meter going forward. I have never been in this situation before and am already limiting my usage. Can you help?

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with your bills. Increases to energy costs and other goods and services has meant that everyone is feeling the pinch. It is important to remember that you are not alone in your situation, and help is available with debt and energy costs. Enforcement & Supplier Action …

I am really struggling with all my bills lately, with my gas and electric bills overdue, and my supplier is threatening to move me onto a prepayment meter going forward. I have never been in this situation before and am already limiting my usage. Can you help? Read More »

I have prepayment meters for energy and expect my bills to increase moving towards the winter months. I am also having difficulty getting to the shops to top up. I have been told that I can switch to a meter where I pay when I get the bill but am not sure. Can you help?

Prepayment customers can request to switch to credit meters for several reasons. This includes when someone has just moved into a property, as well as other circumstances.  With this type of meter, you will have the option to receive regular bills or pay through Direct Debit. Even if there is debt on the meter, prepayment …

I have prepayment meters for energy and expect my bills to increase moving towards the winter months. I am also having difficulty getting to the shops to top up. I have been told that I can switch to a meter where I pay when I get the bill but am not sure. Can you help? Read More »

I recently found out that I have been switched energy suppliers without my consent. Both my original supplier and the new one are still operating, but are not agreeing on how to sort this out and it has left me in billing limbo at the worst time. Can you help?

It sounds like something known as an ‘erroneous transfer’ has taken place. These types of transfer happen when an energy customer is switched over from one energy supplier to another, sometimes by accident without their permission to do so. Erroneous transfers can happen for several reasons, include mismatches of meter and property location information; clerical …

I recently found out that I have been switched energy suppliers without my consent. Both my original supplier and the new one are still operating, but are not agreeing on how to sort this out and it has left me in billing limbo at the worst time. Can you help? Read More »