Energy regulator Ofgem has announced the new Energy Price Cap rates, with prices set to fall by seven per cent on average from 1 July to 31 September. However, energy bills remain much higher than before the energy crisis began.
In the Swindon area, 9.8 per cent of residents spend more than 10 per cent of their annual wage on their heating and energy bills, according to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.
The Price Cap changes every three months, and is set to fall again from July due to lower wholesale energy prices in recent months.
- If you pay by monthly direct debit, a typical dual-fuel household bill is £1,568 a year on average, affecting all those on standard variable tariffs (essentially everyone not currently on a fixed rate). This is a fall of seven per cent
- If you prepay for your energy, prices will fall by seven per cent to £1,522 a year
- If you pay on receipt of a bill, it’s a seven per cent drop to £1,668 a year
But remember, it’s the rates that are capped, so if you use more energy you pay more.
If you are struggling to pay energy bills and have accrued debt built up from the winter, you should contact your energy supplier as soon as you can. Your supplier must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules. This includes reviewing a plan you have agreed before.
You can also get free and impartial energy saving advice from Warm & Safe Wiltshire to help manage energy costs and keep your home warm. This includes free home visits to eligible residents to help lower their bills and keep their homes warm.
There’s also help and advice signposted on our website.