Why now’s the time to seek help if you’re worried about energy bills

The US-Israel war with Iran has sent oil prices soaring, and that inevitably means we’ll soon be paying more for gas and electricity.

That’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone, but especially if you’re already struggling with your energy bills.

As the latest figures from Ofgem show, total energy debt rose by 18% in 2025 to a record high of £4.55bn.

And just this week, new figures from TSB and Lightning Reach showed that one in three people are spending 5-10% of their household income on gas and electricity bills, while almost a third spend 11-20% on energy.

Behind these numbers are real people with real worries and anxieties about making ends meet.

So a sudden spike in energy costs is the last thing that hard-pressed households need.

How much will my bills go up by?

The current energy price cap will remain in place until the end of June, so there’s certainty over bills for the next few months at least.

But energy costs are likely to be much higher from July onwards.

Cornwall Insight estimates that in July, typical annual household energy bills could go up by £332.

This would mean that a dual-fuel household using a normal amount of gas and electricity would pay £1,973 a year - up from £1,641.

Ask for help if you’re worried

The impact of debt goes way beyond your finances.

It can take a serious toll on your health and wellbeing.

So if you’re already struggling to keep up with your gas and electricity bills, it may be time to reach out for support.

“With energy costs expected to rise again in July, now is a crucial moment for anyone who is worried about their bills to seek help,” said Sebrina McCullough, director of external affairs at Money Wellness.

“Getting free, independent debt advice can make a significant difference, helping people understand their options, manage repayments, and avoid their situation getting worse. 

“No one should feel they have to face this alone.”

Speak to your energy supplier

It's also worth contacting your supplier if you’re starting to fall behind with your payments and worried about how to pay your next bill.

They might be able to offer:

• grants
• payment plans
• advice on managing your account

Will the government step in?

So far, the government has only announced help for people who use heating oil.

But it hasn’t ruled out stepping in to support households on the main gas and electricity grid.

However, it’s likely that if any relief scheme is introduced, it will be targeted, rather than available to everyone.

Speaking to the BBC earlier this month, chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government is looking at ways to “support people based on their household income”.

“When Russia invaded Ukraine, the richest, the best-off third of households, got more than a third of the support,” she said.

“That makes no sense at all."

Social tariff could help vulnerable households

The Resolution Foundation thinktank agrees that a universal scheme shouldn’t be put in place, as it would be expensive and inefficient, and mean the most vulnerable households aren’t prioritised.

Nevertheless, it believes ministers must act quickly to make sure households most at risk get the support they need.

One option it has put forward is a social tariff for energy, which would offer targeted help to those who are struggling the most, such as those on low incomes or with higher energy needs.

This would certainly make a big difference, but it could also be part of a much wider and ambitious effort to tackle energy poverty.

As Sebrina notes, the latest debt figures “underline the urgent need for longer-term solutions to make energy affordable again”.

“We need to see faster, coordinated action from government, regulators and suppliers, to reduce existing debt, prevent it building further, and ensure people can afford to stay warm without falling into financial hardship,” she added.

What else can I do if I’m worried about my energy bills

If you’re struggling to keep up with the cost of gas and electricity, there are a few steps you can take right now.

Join the Priority Services Register

If you're vulnerable, perhaps due to age, disability or health conditions, it could be worth joining the free Priority Services Register (PSR).

The PSR is a free service that provides extra support to people who need help with their energy supply. 

By joining, you could benefit from additional help during power cuts or assistance with making your billing more understandable.

Check to see if you can sign up at PSR.

Try to save energy

Small steps such as only using your washing machine when you’ve got a full load, defrosting your freezer and not leaving devices that are plugged in on standby can make a big difference to your bills.

We’ve put together a list of 50 smart energy-saving tips to help you get started.

Get clarity on your bills

Use our free household bills calculator to see how your monthly costs might change, so you’re not taken by surprise.

Create a household budget

Gas and electricity are just some of the costs that come with running a household.

So make sure you know exactly how much money you’ve got coming in each month and where it’s going, so you can prioritise your spending and identify possible savings.

We’ve put together a guide to creating a budget to help you get started.

You can also try out our free and easy to use budget planner.

Check what support you can get

You might be entitled to financial support from the government but not actually realise it.

So use our benefits calculator to find out what you could be eligible to claim.