Energy bills advice

The price cap will rise by 4% from 1 October, on top of a rise of 13% in July.

For a typical household paying by Direct Debit that's equivalent to about £1,723 a year.

If you're not on a fixed deal, you'll almost certainly be on a price-capped tariff. And with prices predicted to rise again in January it may well be worth considering switching to a fixed deal.

Take a look at the MoneySavingExpert website for useful information on what you should consider doing now.

If you're struggling, take a look at some of these tips that might help.

If you're falling behind with your energy bills and finding it a struggle to pay - talk to your supplier as soon as possible.

Under the rules from the energy regulator, Ofgem, they have to help you - usually by arranging a payment plan that you can afford. There may be other help that can be offered as well, which is on a case-by-case basis. So get in touch with them as soon as possible.

On prepay and struggling to pay?

There's plenty of help available from your supplier here as well. All suppliers offer small amounts of emergency credit if you're running really low that you can pay back when you next top up.

And there might be extra support they can provide if you can't afford to top up.

And you won't be cut off at certain times, when it's difficult to get credit from the shops (usually between 6pm and 9am Monday to Saturday, all day Sunday and on bank holidays). You'll need to pay back anything you've used during these times the next time you top up.

Hardship funds

All the big energy firms have charitable trusts and funds that can help if you're in debt and struggling to pay. There's an application process that you have to go through to access this and eligibility requirements vary. Talk to your supplier for more information.

Grants to help pay off your energy debts

If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off.

The following energy suppliers offer grants to their customers:

If your supplier isn’t listed it’s a good idea to contact them directly to see what extra support they can give you.

If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, you might be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer. You’ll need to get debt advice before applying: Fuel Debt Advice – St Ann's Advice Centre (stannsadvice.org.uk)

The Warm Home Discount will reopen in October 2026

The Warm Home Discount scheme is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill.

If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill - the money is not paid to you.

You'll usually get the discount automatically if you're eligible - or you may need to apply directly to your energy supplier.

If you're eligible, you may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead, if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier directly to find out.

For more information visit the Government's website: Warm Home Discount Scheme

The winter fuel payment

If you were born on or before 27 June 1960, you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027 - this is known as a 'Winter fuel payment'.

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they're eligible. If you are, you'll receive a letter in October or November saying how much you'll get.

For more information go to the Government's website: Winter Fuel Payments

Get on the Priority Services Register

It's a free support service operated by energy suppliers that helps people in vulnerable situations. You have to meet certain criteria to be eligible but, if you do, it's easy to be added and you don't need to ask your supplier. Visit their website or call 0800 169 9970 for more information. The Priority Services Register website

Only pay for the energy you use - do regular meter readings

Your energy supplier's estimates of the amount of energy you're using, might be way off. If they're underbilling, you could have an even bigger bill when they get your actual reading or if they're overbilling - then they'll have your money for energy you've not used. If you pay by Direct Debit, you can ask for it to be changed.

Pay by Direct Debit if you can

It can cut your bills by about £90 a year on average and as it's paid automatically, you don't have to remember to pay it.

Using less energy is a simple way to save on bills

Small things like turning down the thermostat by one degree, wearing extra layers, turning lights off when you leave a room, taking shorter showers, using energy saving light bulbs and not leaving electrical items on standby can all make a difference to your bills.

Request a smart meter

Smart meters show you how much energy you are using in your home in pounds and pence. Knowing exactly what you're spending without the need to supply meter readings or getting estimated bills from your supplier can help you to budget.

To request a smart meter, just contact your supplier. For more information about smart meters, go to the Smart Meter UK website.

Nottingham City Council Housing Services
Registered Office: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG.
Registered in England and Wales.

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