Energy Prices Soar: Advice For North East Homeowners As Cost Of Living Increases
Written by Ethan Aaron Banks on 1st April 2022
Homeowners across the North East are being advised to seek out funding and reduce energy use to help tackle the rising cost of bills, after regulators raised the limit on energy prices.
North East advisors, The Green Doctor, are helping homeowners who are struggling to meet demand for payment, and offering advice on managing bills.
New rules brought in on April 1st by Ofgem mean bills are increasing by as much as £708 a year.
Dubbed on social media as ‘April Fuels Day’, millions of people across the country will see the cost of energy increase from this date.
A record rise in global gas prices has led to the decision to raise the previous price cap by 54% from £1,277 to £1,971 for default tarrifs, while prepayment customers will see an increase of £1,309 to £2,017.
Ofgem Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley said: “The energy market has faced a huge challenge due to the unprecedented increase in global gas prices, a once in a 30-year event, and Ofgem’s role as energy regulator is to ensure that, under the price cap, energy companies can only charge a fair price based on the true cost of supplying electricity and gas.
“We know this rise will be extremely worrying for many people, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet, and Ofgem will ensure energy companies support their customers in any way they can.”
Councils across the North East have put some measures in place to support people struggling to pay the new rates.
The government are extending the Warm Homes Discount, which helps with heating costs, and in October those in council bands A-D may be eligible for a rebate under a new Energy Bills Support Scheme.
