South Gloucestershire residents urged to come forward for help with energy needs

• Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can help with issues relating to residents’ energy needs
• The charity can help with energy-saving measures, checking for benefits eligibility and fuel debt
• Energy bills are expected to be higher this winter than last winter

Anyone in South Gloucestershire needing help with problems related to energy bills are asked to seek advice at the earliest opportunity.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is offering help specifically for issues related to fuel bills. This comes alongside its general support for people in the region.

The service comes as the charity expects higher energy bills this winter than last.

This is because despite the Ofgem price cap falling to £1,923 a year – there is no sign of an Energy Bills Support Scheme as was put in place last winter.

This provided a £400 discount to all households in the UK spread across six monthly instalments.

The charity can help with issues such as energy-saving measures, checking for benefits eligibility and fuel debt.

The charity’s energy expert Marion Straker has a track record of success when negotiating with energy companies on clients’ behalf.

The advice we can give

Marion said: “It’s important people come forward because there’s a lot we can do to help them.

“If they find they cannot afford the payments which energy companies are asking for, in some cases we can negotiate a different sum.

“We are able to contact the energy companies and improve things for them.”

She said another focus of the appointments is looking at where clients can save on fuel usage.

She said: “We look at what domestic appliances are really expensive and inefficient to run such as tumble dryers.

“If you turn your heating down by a couple of degrees you can save a lot of money and most people don’t notice.

“We look at whether there’s things they can do to maximise their income. We look at the whole picture rather than just energy.

“And we often improve people’s income by several hundred pounds or even one thousand pounds per year.”

Speaking on the current cost-of-living crisis, she said: “What I have noticed this year is that last year’s crisis and everything going on is impacting more noticeably now.

“People can ride it out for a while and then they can’t. Inflation is still high – prices are going up but wages aren’t following and benefits aren’t following. Resources are being worn out.

“Give us a call – we do come back to you, and we can help.”

Anyone in South Gloucestershire seeking free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can call 0808 278 7947.

The charity’s opening times and contact details are available at: www.southgloscab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/

Published 30/10/23.