Tackling the energy bills crisis

With the cost of energy bills soaring, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has made an announcement yesterday about supporting those most affected by the price rises.

What’s the issue?

Gas and electricity bills are set to rise in 2022, as the energy price cap is raised. This is the maximum amount that energy supplier are allowed to charge, and it is being raised in April 2022. Ofgem, the energy regulator, has calculated that the average annual bill for a typical household (on a price-capped dual-fuel tariff, paying by direct debit) will rise by nearly £700.

This BBC article explains more about what the energy price cap is.

Many people are already experiencing higher fuel bills, and customers on a fixed rate will be finding their cheaper tariffs aren’t available, once their current plan comes to an end.

Government Support announced today

Chancellor Rishi Sunak made an announcement on Thursday 3 February giving government support to those most affected by the price rises.

These are his main points:

  • £200 discount on all electricity bills from October 2022. This will be paid back £40 per year from April 2023.
  • £150 discount on Council Tax for households in Band A-Band D properties
  • Councils will also have a discretionary fund to help those in higher band properties, or who don’t pay council tax
  • The Warm Homes Bill eligibility will be expanded, so that 3 million people can benefit (up from 1 million people)

Help available in Cornwall

If you, or someone you know or work with, is facing issues with the energy price crisis, there is support available.

The Warm Homes Fund helps households with heating, including any home that hasn’t had central heating or needs help with repairs and insulation to stay warm and well. You can find out more about the Warm Homes Fund, and Central Heating Fund on the Cornwall Council website.

For energy advice, including energy tariffs, warm homes discount scheme, reducing your energy consumption, and more, see Community Energy Plus, a Truro-based charity.

For general advice on keeping warm and well when the weather is cold, see the Winter Wellbeing pages on our website. You can download a copy of the 21/22 Winter Wellbeing Guide, with contact details and advice on all things energy and wellbeing related.