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Original poster

What are people doing if they cannot afford energy increases?

101 replies

Needanewadventure2021 · 05/03/2022 10:14

I am one of those who will find it impossible to pay when I am out my fixed. My estimated increase as of now it's already more than I spend on food a month. So basically it's our food money gone. £89 going to £216 currently. Thank god I'm protected until may/June time.

I've cut everything I can. I'm a lone parent, low income household working full time.

I feel a failure.

I was thinking should I cancel my DD when my fixed ends but I've been told that will inflate prices higher? I will pay my bills. But I cant have the money taken.

What are people meant to do though if there money just isn't there to take? I've lived below the 'breadline' for years. It sucks but that's the way it has been. How the hell am I meant to absorb these costs when the money simply isn't there? Does this mean my credit will he thrashed? Its currently excellent and it worked endlessly to keep it that way despite my financial circumstances.

I have no life no luxuries. Its making me really really sad.

What do others plan on doing?

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 06/03/2022 23:36

I did hear the government have given money to every council for a fund for people who are
struggling to pay these bills. Sorry I don’t know the full details but that’s what the goverment spokespeople all spout every time they’re asked about this situation.

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 06/03/2022 23:37

@INeedNewShoes are you water rates or meter? I know rates are shooting up my way but I'm not sure how it works with a meter? Honestly it's all making my feel really ill. I basically need to be earning at least an extra weeks wages per month just to cover the increases

OP posts:
INeedNewShoes · 06/03/2022 23:44

My bill says it's based on a recent meter reading. But the same bill also tells me that we use a lower than average amount of water for a house with 2 people living in it.

I can only guess that the water company have had to hike their bills because their costs to pump water around will have gone up with the utilities hike...

mummykel16 · 06/03/2022 23:57

@Needanewadventure2021

I am one of those who will find it impossible to pay when I am out my fixed. My estimated increase as of now it's already more than I spend on food a month. So basically it's our food money gone. £89 going to £216 currently. Thank god I'm protected until may/June time.

I've cut everything I can. I'm a lone parent, low income household working full time.

I feel a failure.

I was thinking should I cancel my DD when my fixed ends but I've been told that will inflate prices higher? I will pay my bills. But I cant have the money taken.

What are people meant to do though if there money just isn't there to take? I've lived below the 'breadline' for years. It sucks but that's the way it has been. How the hell am I meant to absorb these costs when the money simply isn't there? Does this mean my credit will he thrashed? Its currently excellent and it worked endlessly to keep it that way despite my financial circumstances.

I have no life no luxuries. Its making me really really sad.

What do others plan on doing?

It depends on what type of home you have, we have had to switch things out. We also have all our lighting powered by solar panels just to try and knock the edge off. Wood burners also help with cooking heating and some power, enough to charge laptops phones etc.

It's not ideal but beats the alternative.

mummykel16 · 07/03/2022 00:03

Forgot to say it costs about £12 per room to put solar lights in, each on their own panel

LizzieSiddal · 07/03/2022 00:07

Forgot to say it costs about £12 per room to put solar lights in, each on their own panel

Can you explain this a bit please? Do you mean the lights are attached to solar panels on your roof?

mummykel16 · 07/03/2022 00:23

@LizzieSiddal

Forgot to say it costs about £12 per room to put solar lights in, each on their own panel

Can you explain this a bit please? Do you mean the lights are attached to solar panels on your roof?

It's a led light that is attached to a solar panel by a cable. The battery is included lasts five or six hours depending on sunlight. Pop panel in window and away you go
mummykel16 · 07/03/2022 00:25

Some use them for camping, not as good as mains powered but you only pay once, had some for over five years now

Yaya26 · 07/03/2022 00:51

@Billandben444

Try not to use your oven and, when you do, fill it up with batch cooking that can be reheated in a microwave. Children don't have to have a hot meal - a well-balanced picnic on a tray is my grandson's favourite. Anything that gives out heat is bad news tbh.
Wow. Children don't have to have a hot meal. This is very sad to read.
Billandben444 · 07/03/2022 06:53

Wow. Children don't have to have a hot meal. This is very sad to read.
The temperature of a meal has no bearing on its nutritional value particularly when a parent is struggling with energy costs.

Autumnwater · 07/03/2022 07:37

I know it won’t help many people but we have noticed a big drop in energy usage since my partner has had to go back in the office. If you can go back I really recommend you look into it.

Mindymomo · 07/03/2022 08:03

Firstly you must contact utility company to explain your situation, if they don’t know they cannot help. Secondly go to Citizens Advice or GP to get foodbank vouchers. Our local one is open once every week and also has an open table of donated food for anyone, usually bread, milk and eggs but also has meat, all needing to be eaten that day, but can be frozen. I really worry, cost of everything is going up.

Wafflefudge · 07/03/2022 08:06

Good point about community kitchen type initiatives. Near me the Local Councillors arrange food from supermarkets that anyone can go collect so find out if anywhere near you does and follow them on Facebook so you can get when available

Imitatingdory · 07/03/2022 09:16

OP have you applied for any grants you may be eligible for e.g. Family Fund and a carer’s grant?

For those worried about water bills have you checked to see if you qualify for the WaterSure scheme or asked your provider if they have Tariffs for those on a low income?

ImAvingOops · 07/03/2022 09:33

Can you get hold of a dehumidifier? It costs electricity to run but less than the heating and it stops the house from feeling so cold because it gets rid of all damp/condensation

Soffit · 07/03/2022 10:51

Apparently, prices have shot up again this morning and the average household is now looking at £5k a year (and rising).

Still no announcements about fuel tax and/or taxing the energy companies Angry

ImAvingOops · 07/03/2022 10:57

This thread made me pay my electric bill this morning - over £1000 for 3.5 months!! I stil over them £250 ish. And I have not been blasting radiators all over the house all winter, just normal family use - showers and laundry, some heating!

Amichelle84 · 07/03/2022 11:03

We are in a 2 bed flat.

We're paying £110, they emailed to say it would go up to £220, then emailed again to say it would be £330!

I'm going to call them as we can't afford it whilst I'm on mat leave. Happy to review once I have a full salary coming in.

2catsandhappy · 07/03/2022 11:52

I can only offer some practical advice. These are some of the things I am doing. I am checking my smart meter daily and can see at least £2 a week saved on electric. Pennies to some but my budget needs it.

I retired my bath sheets and use bath towels. Literally less washing.
Changed 12" plates for 9" plates. Literally less washing up.
Told dd to use a kitchen roll sheet as a plate for toast. 30 less plates to wash a month.
I turn off fridge/freezer between 8am and 8pm. I am mostly at work and the temperature does not rise inside.(thermometer inside)
I use slow cooker at least 5 times a week, overnight. All but stopped using cooker. Which stays clean.
I wear my uniform one extra shift. Pj's one extra night. Less laundry.
Extra spin on washing machine and no more tumble dryer.

Written reminder by front door to switch off tv/lap top/etc before I leave.
Unplug charger when phone is 100%
I dry socks on slow cooker lid overnight. Warm and dry in morning.
I use carpet sweeper most days and vacuum once a week.
Unplug microwave after use.

I am doing other things too but this is about electric.
I have more time as I am doing less housework.
My predicted use for electric is £44 a month, which is up from £32ish. So I am fighting back as best as I can!

frustratedashell · 07/03/2022 13:22

Genius tip about drying socks on slow cooker lid!

FourTeaFallOut · 07/03/2022 13:23

@Soffit

Apparently, prices have shot up again this morning and the average household is now looking at £5k a year (and rising).

Still no announcements about fuel tax and/or taxing the energy companies Angry

Can you remember where you saw the £5k figure so I can have a nose and see what wholesale figures they are basing that on please?
Blackcatsocks · 07/03/2022 13:39

I'm sitting here in four jumpers rather than putting the heat on. I am lucky and can just manage the increases but trying to be frugal. I've stopped charging my work devices at home too. Only charge them at work.

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 07/03/2022 18:18

£5k a year. That's a third of my salary! What the hell

OP posts:
tothemoonandbackbuses · 07/03/2022 18:38

You can get solar chargers for devices
Are you eligible for council tax benefit? It’s separate to all other benefits.
You can call the water board and tell them you can’t afford the water and they are not allowed to cut you off and should offer a cheaper option.

Fedupbuyer · 07/03/2022 19:06

5k a year?!!!!! I’m opening up my fireplace’s and I don’t think I will be alone!

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