I’m worried about how I will pay my energy bills this winter, what help can I receive?

The government has put a limit on the rates your supplier can charge you for gas and electricity from 1 October 2022 called the Energy Price Guarantee Scheme. 

This means the typical household won’t usually pay more than £2,500 a year for gas and electricity. It’s important to know that your energy bills could be more or less than £2,500 a year, depending on how much gas and electricity you use. The cap is on the price of energy per unit, so although the average usage is capped at £2,500, if you use more units, you'll pay more. This guarantee will last for two years.

This is in addition to the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme, which will be paid in six monthly instalments from October for Shropshire residents.

The most vulnerable UK households will continue to receive £1,200 of support provided in instalments over the year, through discounts to council tax and cost of living payments for those in receipt of certain benefits.

Households unable to benefit from the full extent of the Energy Bills Support Scheme and/or Energy Price Guarantee Scheme (for example, households not on standard gas / electricity contracts) will receive equivalent support.

If you're worried about energy bills, we recommend that you follow these steps:

1. Let your energy supplier know that you're worried about being able to make payments. They need to know that you're struggling with your bills so that they can direct you to the right support.
2. Contact Keep Shropshire Warm by calling 0800 112 3743 for free. If we can’t get to you right away, please leave a message and we’ll call you back as soon as possible. You can also email advice@mea.org.uk
3. Like and follow @KeepShropshireWarm on Facebook for regular news and updates.
4. If you're worried about general debt, we recommend seeking advice from

• Citizens Advice – 01743 280019 
• Barnabas Money Advice (based in Shrewsbury) - 01743 364114