Energy prices

[Needanewadventure2021]

I've been really worried about writing this as millions will be feeling the same but it's giving me really bad anxiety now.

My tariff is due to end in June and if prices remain like they are (I don't for a second think they will reduce) I will be paying 150 a month to my current 89, but for 10 years before this I have NEVER paid more than 65 a month and have always been in hundreds of credit. I am using no more units than normal and my summer bills were nearly as high has my full monthly payment. It's making me feel sick. I am a single parent, working 32 hours a week on a relatively low income. I am barely putting the heating on. We are barely getting by and it's breaking my heart that my little boy is being raised in this poverty. I am trying to get a new job but its hard when it has to work around your child and finding childcare isn't cheap for which for some reason I don't get full help for (earning just over 16k and receive tax credits).

Sorry for my rant as I know there is no way out of this. Was just wondering what low income households are going to do and how you feel about it? I literally have no money left, not even anything I can cut from my outgoings to make money available. I've already stripped everything back.

Sorry to rant just wondered what the hell are people meant to do?

One of the best thing I did was get a portable thermostat sorted by a gas engineer.

This meant that instead of heating the hall, I was heating the room I was in until it reached the desired temperature. I’d open the door and the hall would be much cooler, but all rooms with doors closed would also be nice and cosy, and it reduced my gas usage and the cost.

Keeping all internal doors costs does also help

@yupyupyup
She cannot work evening due to lack of childcare and a young child with additional.needs so.what is shit about using her evenings to try and earn a bit more at home exactly. No.one is saying that is going to make her a millionaire but may help.get her through the cold winter with heating costs.

I disagree with the pp who said to ignore the £10 per day thread. i started going on there a couple of years ago and through doing some online work via appen I managed to repay my credit card bill of a couple of grand. Not for everyone I know, but i now do low risk casino using team casino and have made £7400 over the last 2 years which averages out as £300 a month tax free. As a single mum on a medium wage it has definitely kept the wolf from the door and has stopped me needing to use my credit card.

We're fairly high earners and the fuel increase is really worrying me so I cant even fathom how worried low income people must be.

Its shocking that the govt are allowing this to happen.

We are fixed till august, currently pay £110 but our monthly use seems insane at the moment. I wfh, I'm not frivolous with my heating but also refuse to be cold in my own home so will put it on, electric is our highest expense though.

At current rates I'd need to pay at least £200 just to break even on usage.

Nidan2Sandan What is your unit price for gas and electric and your daily charge for both?

I went on BG earlier to check their current rates. I am already with them. I got through so far and it come up with a message saying that are not competitive for new customers and for them to request being put on the SVR by their current supplier.
I was shocked by their honesty and adds further proof to how shit things are!

I've cried alot of today. Two things need fixing in the house and not cheap fixes. Think it pushed me over the edge.

OP I’ve PMd you as I might be able to help.

OP, - as far as the Warm Home grant, it sounds as if you'll be in the 'discretionary group' for eligibilty. Some providers are more generous than others with who is included in this group. Next financial year when your tariff ends, have a look at the criteria for different providers. You may well find more flexible providers that include you within it, if BG do not.

@needanewadventure2021i am so sorry you are struggling so much. I have been anxious about the gas and electricity increase for some time and I am in a very different situation to you. I am so worried you are not eating. I think you need to make sure you do as being cold and hungry will make a shit situation so much worse. Please ask for help get food parcels what ever it takes you need to have food to fight all your many battles.

Also again this may not be any help but if you shop online for things join topcashback if you haven't already. Grocery shops at Iceland etc can earn money back. It can be little amounts but they do build up and it's good if you were buying stuff anyway. Not intended in a patronising way at all before people come on to be all shouty. Just in case you do shop online.

Op make sure you don’t get sucked into any MLM scams, they tend to target more vulnerable people so just be mindful.

Hey. Had a bad few days so sorry for lack of responses. But can I just say those who recommended a heated throw...thank you so much. It was a credit card job but it was absolutely wonderful being able to sit under it tonight with my son and feel warm. Honestly thank you

Martin lewis continues to suggest that people should stick to a variable tarrit, when their fixed tarrif comes to an end.
I'm with Octopus. Have a look a their rates energy rates to see if they are any good for you.

Via my link below you'd can get £50 energy cash back and so can I.
share.octopus.energy/pink-shell-534

Without a doubt the situation, re energy prices is very worrying. During the day my heating is not on. I just wear a double thermal layer. I use my heating in the morning and evening, but then at a much lower temperature than normal. I also pop a hat on my head to keep warm.
The government needs to do something.

My tariff has come to an end - new one has gone from £207 per month (large house and electric car) to £404

Oh my god. This scares me alot

I'm really nervous too.
We managed to fix in Octobe for slightly higher than the then price cap, but only by 5%, and were happy with what we thought we would be saved from come April

We're on maternity leave and not eligable for any benefits as have a LISA. (if we didn't we'd get £200-£450 a month).

Aiming to complete on a house purchase in next 6 weeks or so, and been told we can't take our tarriff with us - therefore wish we'd stayed on the cap.
Sadly the property we're moving to has 0 cavity wall and minimal loft insulation, plus outdated boiler system, which we were ok with doing the work slowly... now the energy madness means i'm incredibly nervous about how 'were going to afford it all.

@TheFormidableMrsC

OP I also bought an "Oodie" type giant hooded fleece in Primark. It's down to my mid calf. That keeps me very warm, especially with joggers and warm socks. I don't need the heating on for very long as a result. It was 18 quid and you can get kid sized ones for around 12 quid on eBay. Definitely worth getting.

I'm wearing mine right now and could not after more with you. It really does keep me warm, and I genuinely don't feel the need to put the heating on as much as a result.

agree*

I saw this article about a way to apply for grants of up to £750 to pay off their energy debts via a Bristish Gas fund (although you don't have to be a BG customer) and thought someone may be able to make use of it.

www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/families-can-up-750-british-22898550

Hello. Popping in to let you know that we're doing a Q&A with fuel poverty charity National Energy Action about these energy price hikes on Wednesday 23rd Feb at 12 noon. The thread is now open for questions here.

If you are looking at fixed rates then they will be higher than the SVR now. I'm on the SVR and worked out mine will be £98 a month in April so maybe it won't be as high as you think?

That's £63 to £98, 2/3 bed new build, myself and one teen.