The new energy price cap  announced by the energy regulator Ofgem means that energy bills will fall by £238 for a  typical dual fuel household, paying by direct debit, from April. The typical household annual bill will be £1690.

Gas prices will be capped at 6p/kwh (currently 7.42p/kwh) and electricity capped at 24p/kwh (currently 28.62p/kwh)

The energy analyst Cornwall Insight is forecasting that bills  will fall even further in July but may rise again slightly in October.

However, while this drop in energy bills is good news for many of us there are still millions of households that will be struggling to pay their energy bills,

Things to do if your are struggling with your energy bills:

Review your direct debit
Your monthly payments are based on estimated annual usage. If your actual usage is less then ask your supplier to reduce these monthly payments. Also ask for a refund if your account is in credit in May!

Pay what you can
If you are struggling to meet your direct debit or quarterly payments then talk to your supplier and ask for an ‘able to pay plan’ based on what you can afford to pay!

Check to see if you can get further help
You may be entitled to further help such as The Winter Fuel Payment or The Warm Home Discount so check to see if you are claiming all that you can!

Useful websites:

Ofgem – energy advice for households

Moneyhelper – free and impartial help with money, backed by the government