Energy Crisis: Autumn 2023 price cap advice

We've seen a number of significant increases to the price cap set by the energy regulator Ofgem in the past year.

However Ofgem have announced a small reduction in the energy price cap this Autumn. Whilst it is welcome news, we know that the numbers of households in fuel poverty have risen hugely since the start of the energy crisis and prices remain too high for many Plymouth households.

The price cap is a maximum amount that can be charged for electricity and gas standing charges and unit (kWh) rates.

Remember that the recently announced price cap figure of £1,923 is an average for a ‘typical’ household - your actual energy bill will depend on your usage.

• If you are on a fixed rate that is below the price guarantee, don't do anything as your prices are already cheaper than the price cap.
• If you are on a fixed rate that is higher than the price guarantee, you should see a reduction in your bills to bring your costs in line with this cap.
• If you are on a credit meter (which means you either pay by direct debit, standing order or when you receive a bill) and on the price cap, take meter readings regularly and submit them to your supplier so that an accurate bill can be issued.
• If you are on a prepayment meter (meaning that you top up with keys/cards and have to put your cards, keys or codes into the meter), any price rise is likely to happen when you top up.

For detailed information on what this might mean for you, Martin Lewis has done some wonderful work around the issue, visit his website here.

Visit our residents pages to find out more about the advice and support we can offer.

If you are going to struggle to pay your ongoing energy bills, alert your supplier as early as possible.

The Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund (4) is now open. It aims to support those struggling to meet essential costs due to the Cost of Living crisis.

We are unable to accept self-referrals. PEC is accepting frontline worker referrals from partners across the city (Livewell Southwest, Wolseley Trust, University Hospitals Plymouth, Food Plymouth Partners, Stroke Association, Colebrook Southwest, PATH, PCC Children young people and families, Plymouth Community Asist and Wellbeing hubs.)

For more local information on support for you or your family, please visit: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/cost-living

If you are a frontline worker, please see our frontline worker page under residents.

Cost of Living Payments

• £900 Low-income Benefits Cost of Living Payment: If you are receiving certain benefits or tax credits you may be able to receive the 23-24 Cost of Living Payment, which has been split into 3 payments. More details and timescales can be found on the government website here. The second instalment of £300 should be paid in Autumn 2023.
• £150 Disability Benefits Cost of Living Payment: This should have been paid by July 2023. For full eligibility or to report a missing payment follow the link here.

You could be entitled to both the Disability benefits AND the Low-income benefits Cost of Living Payments; in which case you will receive a total of £1050 during the 2023-2024 period.

• £150 to £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment: If you will be over state pension (aged 66 or above) between the 18th and 24th September 2023, and as long as you meet certain other requirements (see the government website here), you will be eligible for a £150 to £300 “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment” top-up to your annual Winter Fuel Payment. This will be paid in November or December, typically through Direct Debit.

Other Support

• If you think your supplier is about to go bust, visit the UK Government’s guidance on this webpage.

• Check to see if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount. Find out what that means here (please note that the eligibility criteria for this change in 2022).

• Going round in circles and nothing has changed? Please contact our Energy Advisors, they should be able to help. Either call us on 01752 477 117 or email energyteam@plymouthenergycommunity.com. Plymouth City Council have a Cost of Living portal on their website with all the different support available to Plymouth residents.

• Use our website Visit our Resident pages for a wide range of tips and further information about saving energy in your home.