Winter energy bills are STILL causing a chill: time to stay warm and in control.
More households struggle with higher winter-to-spring energy bills.
Post #2 in our Navigating Energy Challenges series
By Victoria Wan.
CAEE tracks local energy issues throughout the year to understand how best to support our community. A key concern is the fluctuating number of clients who struggle to pay their bills. Especially when, as now, higher winter-to-spring bills are landing.
Here is our data for the spread of enquiries across 2024. Clients who “struggle to pay energy bills” among utilities and communications issues, Jan-Dec 2024.
Energy costs will become even more challenging when the 6.4% price cap increase takes effect in April [1]. A national Citizens Advice report in February [2] found that:
- 3 in 10 respondents struggle to afford their energy bills.
- 1 in 10 respondents owe money to their energy supplier.
- Nearly two-thirds of those in energy debt have had to cut back on heating or hot water.
One client’s experience
The client’s income dropped after leaving work for health reasons, making energy bills hard to manage. We discussed the Priority Services Register, checked her tariff and completed a Household Support Fund application for a grant which helped her cover immediate energy costs for one month while seeking work.
Managing winter bills
Whatever you do, don’t stop heating your home. It’s important to think about your physical and mental health.
Instead, follow these energy saving tips to manage your bills and keep your home warm:
- Lower your thermostat by just one degree. This could save up to £145 a year.
- Draught-proof windows and doors to keep cold air out and warm air in, saving around £80 annually.
- Set your boiler flow temperature to 55–60ºC for a hot water tank, or 50–55ºC for a combi boiler. You could save up to £65 a year.
- More tips
How we can help
If you are struggling with your energy or other living costs, or are curious about what help you may be eligible for, please do not hesitate to contact us for:
In the meantime, check what to do if you are behind with your energy bills. We’re here to support you stay warm and manage your expenses.
Victoria Wan is a Research & Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
[1] Energy price cap will rise by 6.4% from April, Ofgem, 25/02/25
[2] Frozen in place: Why we need urgent action to address energy affordability, Citizens Advice, February 2025