The energy price guarantee is in place to protect households from full exposure to high energy prices by limiting the maximum unit price households pay for energy.
It is different to the energy price cap (which is much higher) and is currently taking precedence over it. The current protections mean an average household pays £2,500 for their energy a year, but this is due to increase to £3,000 in April, a rise of 20 percent for families who are already struggling.
Dr Steve Buckley, head of data science at Loop, said: “We’d urge anyone who hasn’t cashed in their Energy Bills Support Scheme to do so as soon as possible, or if you haven’t received yours, contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. This scheme is open to every household – you don’t need to provide any personal information to access it.”
However, he noted that this is just one element of the suite of support that’s available. There are multiple schemes offering discounts, vouchers, and grants from the Government, energy suppliers and more to ease the high costs.
Dr Buckley continued: “We’d encourage everyone to review the support and check their eligibility, so they are maximising what’s available through the winter months.”
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Warm Home Discount Scheme
People can get £150 off electricity bills between the months of October 2022 and March 2023, and there are two ways to qualify.
To be eligible, people must either receive the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit or be on a low income and meet their energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.
People can find out if they qualify by contacting their energy supplier, while those eligible by Guaranteed Credit should contact the Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 731 0214 if they don’t receive a letter.
Cold Weather Payment
This is an extra £25 payment for each seven-day period where temperatures hit below zero degrees, and is for those on Pension Credit and some other benefits, such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or support for Mortgage Interest Loan (SMI).
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Other support to reduce usage and costs
The National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) is another scheme available to households, supporting them to reduce energy usage during peak times and earn as a result. Households can sign up through their provider or through apps like Loop to take part.
Only some utility providers are offering customers access to the DFS scheme, but the scheme is open to anyone with a smart meter via Loop’s Turn Down and Save scheme, even if the person’s provider isn’t taking part.
Dr Buckley said: “We know times are tough with the cost of living and prices due to rise again when many are already struggling, but it’s important to know that support is available.”
Loop regularly shares guidance on changes to make to lower gas usage, and the free Loop app helps people to manage their energy usage directly by identifying where changes can be made to cut costs.
Dr Buckley’s expert tips to reduce gas usage
- Heating timings: Schedule heating to be on only when being at home and turn it off 20 minutes before it needs to be switched off, as the hot water in the radiators will stay warm
- Keep the draught out: Purchase draught excluders to put underneath doors and better the chances of keeping the warmth in
- Give radiators space: Move furniture away from the radiator to allow heat to circulate around the room
- Reduce boiler flow temperature: If this is set too high the boiler will run inefficiently, reducing this can save between eight to 12 percent on gas bills
- Wash on 20C: Most washing powders and detergents efficiently clean clothes at lower temperatures meaning you can use a colder setting and use less energy.
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