October energy tariff increases and ways to save | Tenant news

Energy prices are set to rise again this October, which could mean higher bills for households across the UK.

Many of us are already feeling the impact of recent increases, so it’s important to know how to manage your energy use and reduce costs wherever possible.

Check your energy plan

It’s worth checking which energy tariff you’re on. Some tenants may be on a standard variable tariff, while others might be on a fixed-rate deal.

You can use online comparison tools to check if a cheaper tariff is available. Make sure to read the terms carefully, especially if you are thinking about leaving a fixed-rate deal early, as there may be fees.

Government schemes and grants

There are a number of government schemes to help tenants with energy costs:

• The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a one-off discount of £150 on electricity bills for eligible households. The discount is applied automatically to people receiving certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
  
  
• The Household Support Fund, run by local councils, gives grants to low-income households for essential costs like energy bills. Eligibility and application processes vary by council. Visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find your local council and search for ‘Household Support Fund’.
  
  
• If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments during periods of very cold weather in England.
  
  If you’re eligible, you’ll get these payments automatically so there’s no need to apply. Visit www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment for more information.

If you’re worried about falling behind on your bills, some energy providers offer advice on budgeting, payment plans, and other support to help manage costs. Contacting your provider early can help you avoid debts and arrears.

Citizens Advice also provides guidance and resources to help you manage energy bills and find extra support.

For more advice and help on managing energy bills, you can also visit our Cost of Living Support Hub at www.habinteg.org.uk/cost-of-living-support.

Reducing energy use

• Small changes can help you use less energy and save money on your bills.
• Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can make a noticeable difference over time.
• Only heat the rooms you are using and keep doors closed to keep the warmth inside.
• Turning off lights and unplugging devices when you’re not using them also saves electricity.
• Using energy-efficient bulbs and appliances can make a big impact over time.
• Washing clothes at lower temperatures uses less energy and still cleans them well.
  
  

Planning ahead can also help you avoid unexpected spikes in your energy bills.

Making small improvements around your home and taking simple steps to save energy can reduce your bills, lower energy use, and help you stay comfortable even as tariffs rise.

For more advice and support, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/energy-bills.

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