At this time of year, in the run up to Christmas, fuel poverty becomes most apparent with many people having to juggle all kinds of demands on their money, including paying their energy bills.
Importantly it can also be the time to assess your own energy bills alongside checking in with family members and people you’re working with to see if they’re struggling.
Fuel poverty can often feel like there’s no way out, bills keep going up on top of other costs so it can feel like an unavoidable burden.
There can even be the temptation to skip a bill or two because something’s got to give.
So, here’s some top tips for people who are in the fuel poverty trap
- Don’t leave things, doing nothing makes things worse and you always have to deal with your bills eventually
- Contact your energy supplier, tell them what your situation is and they have a responsibility to look at the best options, including cheaper tariffs if available and working on an affordable payment plan for any arrears
- Think about if you’re using more energy than you need to by fully heating rooms you don’t use or setting your thermostat too high
- Assess independent support from organisations like Better Housing, Better Health who are part of a national charity or access local support from organisations that can help with advice around keeping your house warm, energy bills and general money advice
- Do not feel like you are alone, people are out there to help and there are loads of things you can do to help yourself too
So please be aware of fuel poverty this time of year, if you know people who are struggling or you’re struggling yourself this is the time to take action that will pay off in the long run.
