With autumn well and truly upon us and the dark nights now creeping in, Liquid Gas UK, the Trade Association for the liquid gas industry in the UK, has launched its ‘Get Ahead for Winter’ campaign. Each year, the Trade Association carries out a campaign to provide practical advice to homeowners to ensure that they have their LPG heating systems prepped and ready for increased use over the winter months. The aim of the campaign is to help off-grid energy users prepare in as many ways as possible.
This year, however, is presenting its own challenges for UK households with the continuing cost of living crisis, an increase in the energy price cap from 1st October, and the change in the Government winter fuel payments. So in this blog, we’re going to look at these issues, how you can plan ahead for winter heating, and give advice on where to get help if you’re struggling with your winter fuel bills.
What does the increase in the energy price cap mean?
The energy price cap which covers 28 million households in England, Wales and Scotland who use electricity and/or mains gas, is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge for each unit of energy. It is set by Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, which works to protect energy consumers, and is based on the costs it makes up to supply your energy (wholesale costs, network costs, operating costs, etc.). However, individual energy bills will vary depending on how much electricity and/or gas you actually use.
The energy price cap is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and the bad news for UK households is the next change is due tomorrow, Tuesday 1st October. Mains gas and electricity prices will rise by 10% and experts are advising consumers to submit a meter reading today to avoid being charged on estimated usage at the new higher rate.
Changes to the Government winter fuel payments
In addition to the forthcoming increase in the energy price cap, a further challenge facing pensioners in the UK is the government's change to the Winter Fuel Payment.
First introduced in 1997 by the UK government, the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual tax-free lump sum payment, was paid to people who had reached the State Pension age. The amount varied, but in most years where the oldest person in the household was under 80, the payment was £200, rising to £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over.
Historically, the payment was not means tested, but on 29th July this year, the new Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced the scheme would now be means tested, and pensioners would only be eligible if on certain benefits. According to the BBC, around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will no longer be eligible and will lose their winter fuel payment under these new plans. The Citizens Advice Bureau website has a list of qualifying benefits.
What you can do to get ahead
As we head towards winter, the cost of energy will be leaving many concerned about paying for their heating. It therefore makes sense to proactively plan and implement cost-saving strategies before the colder weather arrives. With that in mind, we’re looking at what steps you can take to prepare before the winter is upon us. Here are our 6 top tips:
- Check your LPG tank level. You may be on an automatic refilling service, or you may order your LPG yourself – either way, we recommend you check your tank level now. With a cold, wet summer behind us, you may have used more fuel than usual, and going into winter with a full tank provides peace of mind you’ll be ready when the weather turns cold. And if you’re not on an automatic refilling service, it’s worth checking with your supplier to see if this service is available to you – for priority deliveries and guaranteed supply all year round;
- Service your system - get your LPG boiler and gas appliances serviced ahead of the cold weather by a GAS SAFE registered engineer. This ensures they run at their most efficient, keep energy usage and costs down, ensuring they are kept in tip-top condition and prevents carbon monoxide hazards, keeping you and your family gas safe;
- Bleed your radiators. Releasing any air that may be trapped in them will improve their heating efficiency instantly, as the hot water can then flow into every part of the radiator. The result – a better job heating your rooms;
- Draft-proof your home to tackle heat loss. It’s a cost effective and easy way to keep heat in. Also think about hanging thick curtains over doors to help trap heat in. Seal leaks around windows and doors using low cost foam insulation or draught excluder tape which can be bought cheaply from your local DIY;
- Loft insulation, for instance, can dramatically cut the heat loss from your home. Also, insulate your hot water tank by fitting it with a thick jacket. You’ll not just save on your energy costs by boosting your energy efficiency, but you’ll also reduce your environmental impact too,
- Lower your thermostat and lower your water heater temperature. Turning down the heat from 22 to 21 degrees Celsius could save you £80 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Feeling the squeeze?
Understandably, with the wider challenges we’re all facing this winter, many will be feeling the squeeze to their pockets. But if you’re struggling with your LPG bills, there is help at hand.
Firstly speak to your LPG supplier. Many suppliers offer monthly payment schemes which are often interest free. Breaking down large winter fuel bills into fixed, predictable monthly payments can help smooth out fluctuations in your cash flow and avoid large spikes by spreading the cost evenly over a set period. At Northern Energy, our LPG Package* not only allows you to spread the cost of your fuel with interest-free monthly payments but also includes VAT paid deliveries.
There are organisations there to help - such as the Energy Savings Trust, which offers energy advice for your home, and Citizens Advice which offers free energy advice on grants and benefits available to help you pay your heating bills.
Check for government schemes too. If you are on certain benefits or have a low income, there are energy-saving improvement schemes and home energy support payments available from the government to help you with your energy bills. Check to see if you qualify for a free grant to cover the cost of loft insulation under the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
There’s no doubt that planning ahead can help avoid financial strain and ensure home comfort and safety, as well as give peace of mind.
We’re here to help too. If you, or someone in your household is 75 or older, you may qualify for our cold weather priority scheme, where fuels deliveries are prioritised to those that need them most. Get in touch to register, or if you have any concerns about winter fuel costs and would like help and advice, just give us a call on 01423 772 789.
And it's not all doom and gloom. LPG prices are relatively low at present. Get in touch for a competitive quote.
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