Energy bills have gone up today – here’s the help available if you’re struggling

The energy price cap has increased, rising by 13% on 1 July.

A household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will pay an average of £1,862 a year.

That’s an annual increase of £221, or about £18 a month.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition warns that this is the biggest summer increase in energy charges for four years, with almost 5.5m households expected to spend around 20% of their income on energy bills.

What is the energy price cap?

The energy price cap is set by the energy regulator Ofgem. It limits the amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity.

It doesn't limit your total bill. The more energy you use, the more you pay. So when the price cap increases, most households see their monthly bills rise too.

Worried about paying your energy bills?

If you're finding it difficult to keep up with your payments, don't ignore the problem. Getting help early can make a real difference.

Your energy supplier should work with you if you're struggling. Depending on your circumstances, they may be able to offer:

• affordable payment plans
• temporary breathing space on arrears
• access to hardship funds or other financial support

You should also check whether you're entitled to extra financial help, such as universal credit, pension credit or the warm home discount.

Our free benefits calculator can help you see what you could claim.

Making a few simple changes at home can also help reduce your bills over time. Turning appliances off instead of leaving them on standby and only heating the rooms you use are small steps that can add up. You can also find plenty more practical ways to cut your energy use.

You may be able to get a grant to clear energy debt

If you've fallen behind with your energy bills, you could be eligible for a grant to help pay off what you owe.

Support is available from many energy suppliers, as well as charitable organisations.

Energy supplier grants

Many energy companies have hardship funds to help customers facing financial difficulties.

British Gas Energy Trust

The British Gas Energy Trust can help whether you're a British Gas customer or not. If you're with another supplier, you'll usually need to check whether you're eligible for support from them first.

The Trust offers grants to help clear gas and electricity debt, although you'll normally be asked to get debt advice before applying. We can help with this.

EDF Energy Customer Support Fund

If you're an EDF customer and you're behind on your energy bills, you may be able to apply for support through the Customer Support Fund.

E.ON Next Energy Fund

Current and former E.ON customers with outstanding energy debt may be eligible for a grant. The fund can also help replace old electrical appliances and gas boilers in some cases.

Octopus Octo Assist Fund

If you're an Octopus customer, you could receive help with your energy bills, a home energy visit, a free energy-efficient electric blanket or the chance to borrow a thermal camera to identify heat loss in your home.

OVO Customer Support Package

OVO offers financial and practical support to eligible customers, including emergency top-up credit, reduced payment plans, electric throws, self-heating mattress toppers, LED bulbs, smart plugs and boiler servicing.

Scottish Power Hardship Fund

If you're a Scottish Power customer on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may qualify for help with outstanding energy bills.

Utility Warehouse Hardship Fund

Utility Warehouse customers can access budgeting and energy-saving advice, a benefits check and, where appropriate, financial assistance through its hardship fund.

Grants from charities

You may also be able to get help from a charitable trust.

Many charities offer grants to people experiencing financial hardship. Some are open to everyone, while others support people who have worked in particular professions or have specific health conditions.

It's worth checking what's available, as a grant could help you manage your energy debt.

Don't struggle alone

If rising energy costs are putting pressure on your finances, support is available.

We help people find ways to manage rising costs, deal with debt and make their budgets easier to handle. Getting help early can stop money worries building into a bigger problem later on.