A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: I read that the Energy Price Cap is due to go up again in April. Does this mean my fuel bills will go up too? I can hardly afford them as it is!
A: You’re right, the Energy Price Cap rose by six per cent on 1 April 2025. This means a household with typical usage paying by Direct Debit will pay £1,849 a year, compared to £1,738 a year under the current Price Cap. But remember: the cap doesn’t limit how much you pay overall, it’s a cap on what you pay for each unit of gas and electricity that you use. So if you use more, you pay more.
Citizens Advice research shows that nearly seven million people are now living in households that are in debt to their energy supplier. We’re particularly concerned about households with children, where more than half of those on low incomes are struggling to afford energy bills.
The government is considering expanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme, meaning that a million more low income households would get support. These proposals were out for consultation in February and March but at time of writing nothing definite has been decided.
If you are struggling to afford your energy bills, you should speak to your supplier as soon as possible. They are responsible for helping you come to a solution and agreeing a payment plan that works for both of you. If you’ve fallen behind on your bills, seek advice on managing debt. Energy bill debt is classed as a priority debt, so it’s important to get advice from an organisation like Citizens Advice or Stepchange, which offers free debt advice, as soon as you can.
Our frontline advisors can also help you understand what financial support you might be eligible for, depending on your situation. Additionally, you can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
