Citizens Advice responds to the latest Ofgem price cap announcement
Responding to Ofgem’s latest price cap announcement, Gillian Cooper, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice said:
“We’ve braced ourselves for a challenging winter but today’s price cap increase will no doubt see even more people fall behind on their energy bills.
“Our research shows people are so worried about price increases that one in four say they could be forced to turn off their heating and hot water this winter. We’re particularly concerned about households with children and young people and those on lower incomes, who are most likely to struggle with their heating costs.
"Energy bills will now be around two thirds higher than before the crisis, and with record levels of energy debt and the removal of previous support, people are in desperate need.
“Reducing standing charges will slightly bring down some people’s bills, but it could mean households with higher electricity usage, including some families on low incomes, pay more. The government must urgently introduce targeted bill support that reflects the realities of people’s energy needs and protects those at risk from standing charge reform.”
Citizens Advice is issuing the following advice for those worried about changes to the Winter Fuel Payment:
It’s important to check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, which will now only be paid to those who receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits.
If you make a claim for Pension Credit by 21 December, you might still receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
There is further information on eligibility for Pension Credit and how to apply on the Citizens Advice website.
Notes to editors:
Citizens Advice’s response to the Winter Fuel Payment change is available online.
Our latest report, Fixing the foundations: The need for better targeted support for energy consumers, is available online. The findings reveal that one in four people (25%, the equivalent of 16.5 million people) are so worried about increases in energy costs that they say they will be forced to turn off their heating and hot water this winter. This increases to 31% of households with children, and 39% of bill payers on a low income. Survey data is based on an online representative poll of 2,209 GB adults conducted by Yonder Data Solutions for Citizens Advice. Fieldwork conducted between 26th to 28th July 2024.
Official fuel poverty statistics for England in 2023 show that households containing children and young people had the highest likelihood of being in fuel poverty.
Citizens Advice is made up of the national charity Citizens Advice; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.
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You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 for Welsh language speakers.