J&G Maintenance Ltd - 01268 204504 Solar & Green Energy Maintenance Specialists
doubt of energy prices of returning to pre-2021 levels
A survey of 1,449 UK residents reveals that 84% believe energy prices won’t return to pre-2021 levels anytime soon, aligning with expert predictions.
British households are increasingly resigned to high energy prices, with 84% of respondents in a recent survey saying they do not believe energy bills will return to pre-2021 levels for years to come.
The survey conducted by tado°among 1,449 UK residents reflects growing concern among consumers about rising costs, as industry experts also confirm that these elevated prices are the “new normal.”
The timing of the survey coincides with the announcement of the UK’s energy price cap for January 2024, which has risen by 1.2% to £1,738 for a typical household.
This figure is more than 30% higher than the cap during winter 2021-22 and highlights the long term impact of geopolitical and economic pressures, including the effects of the war in Ukraine.
Nearly 67% of the respondents have reported heightened awareness and concern about energy bills compared to five years ago.
Source & Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
E.ON Next to pay £14.5m over prepayment billing failures
An investigation by Ofgem found nearly 250,000 accounts were affected between February 2021 and September 2023 due to a billing system error.
Around 100,000 of these accounts were in credit, with an average balance of £51.
The company failed to issue final bills within the required six-week timeframe, leaving many customers unaware of outstanding credit.
Compensation payments under Ofgem’s Guaranteed Standards of Performance were also not made.
E.ON Next has since rectified its billing system and will pay £14.5m in refunds and compensation, including writing off debts for nearly 150,000 former customers.
Any unclaimed credit will go to the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Fund to support vulnerable energy users.
Beth Martin, director for consumer protection and competition at Ofgem, said: “Prepayment meter customers are more likely to face financial difficulties, and during a period where households have been facing a significant cost of living crisis, it’s unacceptable that consumers did not receive refunds for credit that was owed to them, or final bills they are entitled to.
“E.ON Next has demonstrated an understanding of the significant impact this issue may have had on its customers, and it’s encouraging that they self-reported the issue and have worked with us to resolve it, and compensate affected customers to put things right.
“The action to write off debt will also offer affected households peace of mind.”
Chris Norbury, Chief Executive Officer of E.ON UK said: “We are deeply sorry to the customers affected by this system issue and have taken the correct steps to put things right.
“As soon as we became aware of the error, we acted swiftly to report it to Ofgem and have since made significant changes to prevent it from happening again. We are committed to putting things right for our customers.
“We have contacted all those affected directly to ensure they receive any outstanding final bills, refunds owed and compensation. This includes ensuring that those who were in credit receive the money they are entitled to and those who were in debit when they left having that money owed removed entirely.”
Source & Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
‘Winter fuel payment cuts could push thousands into poverty'
An estimated 100,000 older people in the UK risk falling into poverty due to changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, a leading charity has warned.
Independent Age, a charity supporting older people, has described the government’s decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those on Pension Credit as “extremely alarming.”
The policy, which limits eligibility for the payment, could leave many older people unable to afford basic necessities such as heating during the winter months.
Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said: “It’s extremely alarming to learn that an estimated 100,000 older people could be pushed into poverty as a direct consequence of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment.
“The UK Government’s own analysis has now revealed the extent of the devastating impact of limiting the payment to just those on Pension Credit. With this information now in the open, it is essential ministers put a stop to this policy change right away.”
Source & Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
New fixed energy deal £120 cheaper than price cap
Available exclusively to MoneySuperMarket customers from 11th November
From 11th November, MoneySuperMarket customers can access a new fixed energy deal from E.ON.
The E.ON Next Fixed 12m v33 tariff, priced at £1,597, is the cheapest one-year fixed deal among major suppliers.
This deal is £120 cheaper than the current energy price cap of £1,717 and will be available for two weeks exclusively through MoneySuperMarket and MoneySavingExpert.
Energy experts suggest that fixing your rate now can help protect against future price hikes and provide more stability in managing energy costs.
Source & Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
Why Pre-Winter Solar System Checks are Essential
J&G Maintenance Ltd: Your Trusted Solar Installation Experts
As winter approaches, it's essential to ensure that your solar energy system is in top condition. A well-maintained system can help you maximise the benefits of cheap-rate electricity and achieve the best possible returns on your investment. Here are some key pre-winter checks to consider.
1. Battery Health:
Ensure that your solar batteries are functioning correctly. Check for any signs of wear and tear, and ensure that they are charging and discharging efficiently. Proper battery maintenance is crucial for storing excess solar energy and using it during peak times.
2. Inverter Performance
The inverter is a vital component of your solar system, converting solar energy into usable electricity. Regularly inspect your inverter for any faults or issues. An efficient inverter ensures that you make the most of the solar energy generated.
3. Solar Panel Inspection:
Check your solar panels for any dirt, debris, or damage. Clean panels are more efficient at capturing sunlight, which is especially important during the shorter days of winter. Regular cleaning and maintenance can significantly improve your system's performance.
4. System Review:
Conduct a comprehensive review of your entire solar system. This includes checking all electrical connections, monitoring software, and ensuring that your system is operating at peak efficiency. Regular reviews help identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
5. Maximising Benefits:
Take advantage of cheap-rate electricity by scheduling high-energy tasks during off-peak hours. This can significantly reduce your energy bills and help you make the most of your solar investment.
Ensure your solar energy system is ready for the winter with a professional health check from J&G Maintenance Ltd. Our expert team will thoroughly inspect your system, address any issues, and optimise its performance to maximise your savings. Call today on 01268 204504
Heres why everyone should be with Octopus energy!
Don't believe us? Read what which.co.uk say below and thank us later!
Energy suppliers: Which? Recommended Providers
Energy companies need to be on top of their game to earn a Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) accolade. Find out which firms nabbed a WRP for 2024.
The accolade of Which? Recommended Provider for energy is only awarded to the companies that we’re confident meet the highest standards and are well liked by those who use them.
It’s not easy to achieve - if no companies live up to our high standards, we’re not afraid to leave the industry empty-handed.
Read on to find out which energy firms are Which? Recommended Providers for energy in 2024 and how we assess companies for the qualification.
Which? Recommended Provider for energy 2024
Three companies achieved the coveted Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) status in 2024. This is only the second time so many firms have made the grade. They are:
- Octopus Energy
- Ecotricity
- E
WRPs must make it through our tough assessments, which include an analysis of their practices and what customers really think of them. Find out more below.
Octopus Energy has been a WRP for seven years running. This is the first time Ecotricity and E have been named WRPs.
These three firms achieved the highest scores in our customer survey. Octopus Energy was the only firm to get a five star rating.
Here's a snapshot of some key details:
Criteria
- Octopus Energy
- Ecotricity
- E
Total score
73%
72%
71%
Customer score
74%
71%
71%
Which? assessment score
72%
72%
71%
Total score is a combination of customer score and Which? assessment score. Customer score is based on an online survey of 9,025 energy customers among the general public in Great Britain in October 2023. Which? assessment score is based on customer service (30%), support for those who need it (30%), complaints performance (30%), and performance against (2022) smart meter targets (10%). Assessment carried out in October 2023.
Here at J&G Maintenance we want everyone to benefit from as much cost savings as possible due to ever increasing utility costs. IF you would like to know how you could make significant savings on your gas and electric bills by changing to Octopus Energy give us a call today on 01268 204504 you'll be glad you did!
SOURCE - Sarah Ingrams -Principal researcher & writer - Which.co.uk
Another energy price cap Change! Whats the solution?
PROBLEM: How best to tackle yet another price hike? Simple! Store more energy now!
SOLUTION: Fox smart battery draws down cheap rate electric to use at the most expensive times!
SOLUTION: Fox smart battery draws down cheap rate electric to use at the most expensive times!
Every 3 months we review and set a level for how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy and daily standing charge, under the price cap.
From 1 October to 31 December the price for energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit will go up to £1717 per year. This is an increase of 10% and adds around £12 per month to an average bill.
The new cap is 6% (£117) cheaper compared to the same period last year (£1,834).
You are covered by the energy price cap if you pay for your electricity and gas by either:
- standard credit (payment made when you get your electricity and gas bill)
- Direct Debit
- prepayment meter
- Economy 7 (E7) meter
The actual amount you pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live and the type of meter you have.
Energy price cap rates 1 October to 31 December
Electricity rates
If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your electricity by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 24.50 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 60.99 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT.
Gas rates
If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your gas by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 6.24 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standard charge is 31.66 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT.
Costs included in the energy price cap
The level of the energy price cap is made up of different costs, for example the wholesale cost of gas and electricity, costs to supply energy on the network and VAT. These costs are split within the energy price cap between the unit rate and the standing charge.
Read about typical household energy use and how the energy price cap is calculated on our Average gas and electricity use explained page.
View and compare 1 October to 31 December and 1 July to 30 September energy price cap standing charges and unit rates by region.
You can also get and compare all the energy price cap (default tariff) levels.
Review of standing charges
Last year we started a review of standing charges. Our call for input had feedback from more than 30,000 customers, consumer groups, charities and others.
Today we have published an options paper on our ways to reduce standing charges for households, called ‘domestic standing charges’. Standing charges are set by your energy supplier and are also included in the energy price cap. Your supplier will charge you this cost each day, even if you do not use any energy on that day. The charge covers the cost to maintain the energy supply network, take meter readings, and support government social and environmental schemes, like the Warm Home Discount scheme.
View Understand your electricity and gas bill
The options in the paper could reduce the standing charge by between £20 and £100 per year by transferring parts of these fixed supplier costs to the unit rate (the price paid for every unit of energy used).
We know that if these changes are made it could affect people who cannot safely reduce the amount of energy they use. This could be because of their dependence on life-saving medical equipment or living in a low standard of housing with poor insulation.
We are asking energy suppliers to offer energy tariffs that have no or low standing charges as well as their current tariffs. This will mean that energy efficient households will be able to choose a tariff that rewards them for using less energy. It will also mean that other energy customers can also choose from more tariffs that meet their needs.
You could pay less for your energy by changing your energy tariff. Find out if you can change your tariff and how to switch energy supplier.
The options paper also sets out long-term considerations relating to the assignment of network costs, as a part of a broader review of how electricity and gas system costs are recovered from users.
We would like to hear your views on standing charges.
Support for people with a prepayment meter
We have also extended our initial 12-month allowance to cover increased debt costs associated with additional support credit which we expect to be in place for at least another 6 months. Additional support credit is often issued to people at risk of being cut off from their energy supply because they cannot afford to top up their meter. This decision means that the most vulnerable consumers will continue to be supported and have an energy supply this winter.
Next energy price cap review
We review and set a level on how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy including the standing charge every 3 months. The levels for the period 1 January to 31 March 2025 will be published by 25 November 2024.
SOURCE: OFGEM
SOLUTION: Fox smart battery draws down cheap rate electric to use at the most expensive times!
SOLUTION: Fox smart battery draws down cheap rate electric to use at the most expensive times!
SOLUTION: Fox smart battery draws down cheap rate electric to use at the most expensive times!
Maximise Savings with Fox ESS Storage Battery: The Ultimate Solution for Rising Energy Costs in the UK
In the face of ever-increasing energy costs in the UK, finding effective ways to manage and reduce your electricity bills has never been more crucial.
One solution that stands out is the Fox ESS (Energy Storage System) storage battery. This smart battery offers a strategic way to save on energy expenses, providing significant cost savings and greater control over your energy consumption.
How the Fox ESS Storage Battery Works
The Fox ESS storage battery is designed to draw down and store electricity during off-peak hours when energy prices are at their lowest. This stored energy can then be used during peak hours when electricity rates are highest, thus reducing your reliance on expensive grid power.
Here's how it works:
1. Charge During Off-Peak Hours: The battery charges itself when electricity is cheaper, typically during the night or other low-demand periods.
2. Store Energy Efficiently: The advanced technology of the Fox ESS battery ensures that the stored energy is kept efficiently until needed.
3. Use During Peak Hours: During the day, when electricity prices soar, the battery supplies the stored energy to your home, cutting down on the amount of expensive grid power you need to use.
Benefits of the Fox ESS Storage Battery
1. Significant Cost Savings
By shifting your energy consumption from peak to off-peak times, you can significantly lower your electricity bills. The Fox ESS battery allows you to make the most of lower energy prices and avoid the higher rates charged during peak hours.
2. Energy Independence with a Fox ESS storage battery,
you become less reliant on the grid. This not only provides protection against price hikes but also enhances your energy security, ensuring that you always have a backup supply of electricity.
3. Eco-Friendly Storing and using electricity more efficiently reduces your overall energy consumption and carbon footprint. By using renewable energy sources and storing excess energy, the Fox ESS battery helps contribute to a more sustainable future.
4. Smart Energy Management The Fox ESS battery is equipped with intelligent management systems that optimize energy usage automatically. This means you can enjoy savings and efficiency without having to manually control the system.
Why Now is the Best Time to Invest
With energy prices continuing to rise and no signs of stabilizing, investing in a Fox ESS storage battery now can provide immediate and long-term financial benefits. As energy costs are projected to increase further in the coming months, the savings from using a smart storage solution will only grow more significant.
Expand Your Storage Capacity
If you already have a Fox ESS battery, consider expanding your storage capacity. Additional storage will allow you to store more cheap off-peak electricity and use it during peak times, maximizing your savings and further protecting yourself from future price hikes.
Take control of your energy costs and secure your financial future by investing in a Fox ESS storage battery today.
Don't wait – act now to start saving on your energy bills and enjoy greater peace of mind.
For more information or to discuss how expanding your existing battery storage can benefit you, call JandG Maintenance at 01268 204504now or email us at hello@jandgmaintenance.com.
UK electricity bills highest in Europe
Recent data shows UK households faced the highest electricity prices in the EU, paying 36p per unit,
UK households are paying higher electricity prices than any other country in the EU, with government figures showing that in the second half of last year, British homes paid 36p per unit of electricity.
In contrast, gas prices in the UK were the ninth lowest among the 27 EU countries, at just 8p per unit.
Historically, the UK has had average electricity prices compared to other EU countries.
However, data dating back to 1998, including taxes and levies, indicates that this is the first time UK households have faced the highest electricity prices in the EU.
The figures pertain to medium energy consumers.
During the first half of 2023, electricity prices in the Netherlands and Belgium were higher than in the UK.
By the second half, the UK had the highest electricity cost at 36p per unit, followed by Germany at 35p.
Experts have raised concerns that the high cost of electricity compared to gas is discouraging consumers from adopting cleaner technologies, such as replacing gas boilers with heat pumps.
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
Government extends household support fund
By £421 million to help vulnerable households
The UK Government is extending the Household Support Fund by £421 million to help vulnerable households with energy, food and water costs over the winter.
The UK Government has announced a £421 million extension to the Household Support Fund, aimed at helping vulnerable households with the cost of energy, food and water over the winter months.
This extension will provide support until April 2025 and includes an additional £79 million for devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The fund will be allocated to local authorities across England, which will use it to support residents in need.
This includes providing assistance through local charities and community groups for essentials such as appliances and school uniforms.
In recent weeks, the government has faced strong criticism for its decision to cut universal winter fuel payments.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said: “We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.”
Simon Francis, Coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented: “The extension of the Household Support Fund is the bare minimum the government needed to do this winter and it is a positive first step that ministers have indicated it will continue.
“But as the Winter Fuel Payment axe plunges more pensioners into fuel poverty, the Fund may prove to be inadequate as more vulnerable older people turn to local authorities for help and assistance.
“While households wait for the long term measures to bring down energy bills to come into effect in years to come, the country needs help to stay warm this winter.”
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
Octopus leads in Ofgem's latest Energy Customer Satisfaction
Satisfaction with energy suppliers has risen in early 2024, with Octopus Energy and Utility Warehouse scoring higher, while EDF Energy, OVO Energy and ScottishPower show lower satisfaction levels.
Consumer satisfaction with UK energy suppliers increased between January and February 2024 compared to the previous survey period from August to September 2023.
However, satisfaction levels remain below the peaks recorded in 2020.
That’s according to Ofgem‘s latest wave of the Energy Consumer Satisfaction Survey which shows the Octopus Energy and Utility Warehouse led in customer satisfaction, with 87% and 82% of their customers, respectively, reporting overall satisfaction, above the average for this period.
Both companies also performed well in customer service satisfaction, with Octopus Energy at 78% and Utility Warehouse at 76%.
In contrast, EDF Energy (67%), OVO Energy (63%) and ScottishPower (65%) secured lower satisfaction rates than average.
EDF Energy (62%) and OVO Energy (55%) also experienced a decline in customer service satisfaction.
British Gas was the only supplier with a significant rise in overall satisfaction since the last survey.
Additionally, EDF Energy and E.ON/E.ON Next reported increases in customer service satisfaction.
Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy, said: “Once again, the official data shows customers are far happier with Octopus than other energy companies.
“Our incredible, caring team and continuous investment in technology mean lower prices, better service and more innovation than other large energy companies.
“We’re not perfect, but we started this company to do energy better for customers. It’s made us the biggest power supplier in the UK and it’s still our absolute priority.”
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
UK councils to challenge solar farm approval
Local councils are challenging the government's approval of a large solar farm.
Suffolk County Council has announced plans to challenge the government’s approval of a £600 million solar farm project.
Sunnica received permission to develop a site over 2,400 acres with more than 50MW of solar energy and battery storage.
The council has written a pre-action protocol letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband following his decision to approve the Sunnica solar farm on the Suffolk-Cambridgeshire border.
Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Council have agreed to send a legal letter, expressing their concern that Sunnica developers might avoid covering the costs their plans for the UK’s largest solar farm will place on local authorities.
Councillor Lorna Dupre, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Environment and Green Investment Committee voiced concerns over the impact on residents, businesses and the local environment.
Ms Dupre said: “The prospect of this huge development is of deep concern to those of us in East Cambridgeshire.
“Furthermore, an error within the planning approval has not accounted for the extensive technical and administrative input needed from the four local authorities affected by Sunnica’s proposals.
“This means that local people could not only face development all around them but could also be asked to pick up the tab for developers’ ambitions.”
Councillor Mark Goldsack, a local member for Soham North and Isleham, said: “We have been shocked by the Secretary of State’s decision to grant permission for Sunnica and the developer’s ambitions for an industrial scale energy farm spread across such vast swathes of our countryside.”
Energy Live News has contacted the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for comment – the Department said it would not comment on a live planning case.
Energy Live News has contacted the developer behind Sunnica for comment.
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
ScottishPower makes energy bills simpler
The energy supplier has teamed up with Plain Numbers to make customer bills clearer.
ScottishPower has partnered with Plain Numbers to improve the clarity of its customer bills.
This makes ScottishPower the first British energy supplier to use Plain Numbers, an approach designed to make financial information more understandable.
Plain Numbers is similar to Plain English but focuses on making numerical information clearer.
Research shows that nearly half of UK adults have basic maths skills, which can make understanding bills challenging.
The new partnership aims to train ScottishPower staff as Plain Numbers Practitioners to ensure that billing information is accessible and easy to read.
Ben Perkins, Plain Numbers Director of Partnerships and Services said: “Energy bills are an important part of people’s financial well-being so it’s crucial that communications are easy to understand.”
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
Tesla taps new boss to power UK homes.
Tesla has appointed a head of operations to spearhead its launch as a household energy supplier..
Tesla has hired its new head of operations to spearhead the launch of its household energy supplier in the UK.
Roxanne Inskip-Kaye, who was previously head of billing at Ecotricity and director of operations at Social Energy, joined Tesla in June, according to LinkedIn.
Social Energy was the first British energy company to sign an agreement with National Grid to balance supply by exporting electricity and buying it back when prices are lower.
Last summer, Tesla announced plans to sell electricity to British households, mirroring its energy supply business in the US.
A job listing revealed that Tesla, co-founded by Elon Musk, plans to become a registered electricity supplier and launch a retail electricity product.
The listing stated, “As part of Tesla’s mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy we have launched Tesla Electric.
“Tesla Electric is Tesla’s retail electricity offering, currently available to Tesla product owners in selected markets globally, such as Texas.”
While Tesla is best known for its electric vehicles, it also sells home batteries, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 units already installed in UK households.
ELN understands that Tesla aims to market electricity directly to households, particularly focusing on those who own its Powerwall home battery.
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
Will energy bills fall by £300 with Great British Energy?
The Prime Minister has reaffirmed that the Great British Energy initiative will eventually cut household energy bills by £300, despite concerns about the timing and feasibility of the promised reductions
The Prime Minister has asserted that Labour’s plans, including the Great British Energy (GB Energy) initiative, will eventually reduce household energy bills by £300 per year.
Although Keir Starmer acknowledged that the benefits of clean energy projects will take time to materialise, he emphasised that the commitment remains a core part of Labour’s agenda.
During a speech, Mr Starmer criticised the previous government for leaving behind unresolved issues and stated that while progress is being made with GB Energy, immediate results are not feasible.
The Prime Minister stressed that Labour’s promise was carefully costed and funded as part of their manifesto.
While visiting a wind turbine factory in Widnes, Cheshire, the Prime Minister faced questions from journalists about energy costs.
He stated, “We certainly want to reduce those bills in this Parliament”. In response, Conservative Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has raised concerns over the government’s energy plan.
Ms Coutinho argued that GB Energy would mean “funnelling taxpayers’ money” into mitigating risks for multimillion-pound energy corporations.
She also suggested that the 2030 decarbonisation target would “hike bills and ramp up our dependence on batteries and cables from China.”
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
‘Thousands on costly energy tariffs with auto-switching’
A report submitted to energy regulator Ofgem by Octopus Energy.
Thousands of households across the UK may have found themselves on pricier energy tariffs after using auto-switching services intended to cut costs, a report to energy regulator Ofgem has indicated.
Octopus Energy has highlighted concerns in the report, suggesting that as many as 20,000 energy consumers could have been affected this year alone.
These consumers, it is claimed, were transferred onto tariffs that were more expensive than if they had directly chosen their energy supplier.
The report suggests that many consumers were unaware they had been enrolled in these auto-switching services, which were once popular but have since declined in use, particularly after the surge in energy costs since 2021.
While some of these services charged fees, others appeared to make profits by placing customers on higher tariffs than they would have been on if they had chosen their supplier directly.
In March, Octopus Energy reported a significant increase in complaints from customers who discovered they had been switched to another supplier only after receiving notification of a direct debit.
Upon investigation, it was found that the deal offered through the auto-switching service was £90 more expensive than if the customer had directly chosen the supplier.
A spokesperson for Ofgem told Energy Live News: “We are grateful to Octopus for bringing this issue to our attention and are carefully considering their findings.
“We expect both suppliers and third-party switching services to act in their customers’ best interests, and to make sure they are communicating with them clearly before initiating a switch.
“We have also strengthened the rules that mean when consumers do decide to change their energy supplier it is a smooth process, and they are quickly compensated if it doesn’t go to plan.
“We will continue to work closely with industry and consumer groups and charities to make sure these rules are working to protect consumers in the coming weeks and months.”
Copyright © 2024 Energy Live News Ltd
British Gas matches 100% of energy bill payments.
British Gas aiming to alleviate financial burden and fuel poverty?
British Gas has unveiled a new initiative aimed at assisting customers facing financial difficulties with their energy bills. Under this initiative,
British Gas will match 100% of energy bill payments made by struggling customers over a period of six months.
This programme, scheduled to launch in June, seeks to provide substantial support to households experiencing financial strain, particularly those at risk of fuel poverty.
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, parent company of British Gas, said: “While it’s been good news that food and energy prices are falling, for many households the cost of living crisis is far from over, not least because of the more recent increases in rent and mortgage costs.
“At the end of each week or month, there will be those that have little, if any, money left after paying for life’s essentials. That’s why we’ve put £140 million into supporting those who need help the most.
“We know debt can have a corrosive effect on mental health. Most people want to pay their bills, but it can be very difficult to pay for what you need and clear debts.
“We want to try and help customers wipe the debt slate clean with this new approach, and to put our customers on a better footing to recover from this period of high inflation.
“This scheme isn’t a silver bullet. How we support people who struggle to afford life’s basic necessities is a wider societal issue and this is why we are a strong advocate for the introduction of a social tariff.”
The initiative complements British Gas’ existing support measures, including grants from the British Gas Energy Trust.
Credit and Credit: Energy Live News Ltd
