How much do you owe your energy supplier and how much are going to be paying next month? Perspective needed.

[WhatchaGotThere]

I’ve received my energy bill today alongside details of new price rises. I nearly fainted to find we are currently almost £700 in debt to our supplier. I have a payment plan in place to pay this off over a longer term but with the price rises it is futile.

Our direct debit has been upped to almost £300 per month to cover usage and price rises. We are a very low income family and I’m wondering where we will cut back to cover it.

I vowed I would never rehome our beloved small pets (brought in to our family before illness and disability took over) but their upkeep is costly and for the first time ever, it has crossed my mind . I can’t think what else we could cut back on otherwise.

Are others in the same position?

It depends what a month usually costs.

I am one month in arrears but for a single person that is £77 so not directly comparable. I have had two emails within a fortnight , one put it up from £47 to £65 and then to £87. £87!! I went online and reduced the DD to £77.

Everyone is going to receive £200 off their energy bill in October from the government (but the October after that £40 will be added back each year for 5 years), not much help but some.

Also most people are getting £150 in their bank account in April as a council tax rebate if you pay council tax and have a direct debit set up, again not much help but some.

I think more help will become available- it has to.

My direct debit this time last year was £75 (good fix) then £160 (price cap) Next month it will be £280 again price cap, couldn’t find a fix. I really hope more help will come, as £200 won’t touch these increases.