Energy bill I cannot afford

[whatsamum2do]

My gas and electric is coming to 240ish a month! I'm in an old 3 bed terrace, I can't afford this. I've now fallen into arrears and they are threatening to fit a prepayment metre which I still wouldn't be able to afford and also my landlord doesn't want one fitted! I have 4 young kids, I don't work so I'm home a lot with the baby. I'm on my own no partner, receive no maintenance from my kids useless dad and because I don't work in benefit capped so after my rent is paid I am left with £400 for the month to pay all bills, food ect. I can't do it anymore.

I can't work because I can't find anything to fit around my kids, I have no help with childcare. Believe me I'm trying to as I know I'd be so much better off. I've now asked for help finding work from my work coach on universal credit so hopefully that helps but it won't help me right this minute.

I can't rent cheaper as this is actually cheap for my area, I don't have any Luxury's. I manage, just but I can't deal with this energy bill. It's now £600 in arrears and I don't know what to do 😔. Please help

I have 4 young kids, I don't work so I'm home a lot with the baby. I'm on my own no partner, receive no maintenance from my kids useless dad

Why the hell not?!

Have you told the company that you’re in financial difficulties?

@NeedAnExpert because he refuses to pay. Cms can't do anything as he claims as unemployed. He does cash in hand jobs but it's not declared.

Yes I have told them and they want me to pay my regular bill with £30 on top to clear the arrears so want ££270 off me per month. I simply can't do it. They weren't sympathetic at all 😔

I don't over use anything either, i use the tumble dryer every couple of days, heating is on quite a bit but with 4 young kids and an old house it's not easy to use it less, although I realise I need to make some changes where using the heating is concerned and I plan to do so.

You can work. UC will fund your childcare.

What kind of tariff are you on?

Have you used the electricity and gas that you've been charged for or is this some kind of payment plan where you are paying regardless of how much it is?

I'm looking for work that fits around my children, which is difficult when I can't do evenings or weekends. I'm looking, but I'm finding it hard.

I have a smart metre so I'm
Paying for what's used. From now on I'm going to really look at what I'm spending on it and do whatever I can to lower it. But my issue right now is the amount they want right now. I just can't pay it

i use the tumble dryer every couple of days, heating is on quite a bit but with 4 young kids and an old house it's not easy to use it less, although I realise I need to make some changes where using the heating is concerned and I plan to do so.

Quit using a dryer. Dry things on airers instead. Try and get heavy weight curtains for free/cheaply and insulate windows and doors (loads of advice on that on MSE). An extra layer may mean you don’t need the heating on as much.

I do use the airer aswel but in my contract it actually states not to dry clothes indoors! I was considering getting a dehumidifier to help with that though which I will. As I said, I'm going to do things to lower the bill from now on but I need help with the situation right now. I can't afford £600. Unless I pay at least half they are fitting a prepayment metre which my landlord said if that happens he will give me notice to be out a she doesn't want it.

Phone Stepchange they'll give you the correct advice about your debt.
Or you can request longer to pay off your arrears.

That's a lot per month! We live in a three bedroom semi with mil. She has the heating on most of the time in the winter, she uses the dryer, there are lots of baths and showers, tv on etc and cooking. I think she pays around £110 a month and she's in credit so something doesn't add up.

@fantasmasgoria1 it's a lot I know. I want to switch to a cheaper supplier but I can't while in debt

That doesn't sound right. We pay 160 a month in a 4 bed detached, 4 dc, using the dryer every day, dishwasher etc. Dd 1 has a bath every day, the rest of us have daily showers.

Yes, to contacting stepchange or one of the other debt charities. Avoiding using a tumble dryer completly will not help as you might need the heating on more to balance out the damp.

That is high but switching won't solve your current situation. Can you sell the kids old clothes in bundles on Facebook market place? Or their old toys? MIL has made £210 in the last week getting rid of her kids old bits and bobs, baby carriers and such. You'd be surprised.
Ask any friends if they need their house cleaned perhaps? MIL has been in this situation, moving in a couple weeks to a new build council house thank god. But this is what she's done.

Don’t leave heating on when not at home, try and dry most things on an airer-except bedding and towels, unless it’s windy enough and not raining to dry them on line. Turn down all radiators, especially bedrooms-extra duvets or thicker tog and bed socks are sufficient. As pp said, trawl charity shops for long thick lined curtains to put across front/back doors. Tuck curtains upon windowsills if the windows are right over a radiator.

I sympathise, mine have gone up to £100 each over nov/dec, shocking as they are normally £50 each pm.

Ours is about that. Three bed semi but old and draughty and very badly insulated. The windows are badly fitted and blown, roof leaks. Draught excluders (the old sausage kind) work really well for the doors.

We didn't have a tumble dryer for years as couldn't afford it but it caused loads of damp issues in our rented property when clothes were put out to dry. Dehumidifier made no difference.

We can't really afford to have the heating on a huge amount. It's really tough at times, OP x

As for the debt, fund out if there is a credit union near you, you will have to save a small amount with them for a period, then you can apply for a loan from them, worth finding out, cab would be able to point you right direction.
Also get yourself registered on council list for a home, then if a meter gets fitted and they give you notice and you need to go to council you will already be on the system.

That’s a staggering amount. We’re in an old 3 bed terrace, I’m on maternity and have the heating on all day with the baby and do shit loads of washing and tumbling. We pay £58 a month.

Thank you for the replies. I know so many people have it tough too. I will take all the advice it's very helpful

I will have to do my absolute best to get my bill down, clear the arrears and then switch to someone cheaper. I was in a panic but you have all made me think a bit more rational now. Thank you.

@whatsamum2do Could you get work in a school? I've got two kids and was a lone parent for about five years. I'm currently working ft as a teaching assistant. Pay rubbish but job great When kids are in school it's great (and in hols) although you will still need a bit of childcare. Teaching Assistants very rarely actually work fully within school hours! My hours of work are 8.30 - 3.45.