Energy warning as bills could rise within DAYS
HOUSEHOLDS are being urged to check their energy bills following a warning direct debits could rise within days.
Energy regulator Ofgem confirmed that those who pay their energy bills by direct debit will see their bills increase by 80.6% from £1,971 to £3,549.
The cap will come into effect on October 1, but Ofgem warned that some suppliers could start to increase direct debits before then to spread costs.
It comes after The Sun revealed customers of Ovo, Scottish Power, British Gas and Bulb Energy have already seen their bills increase.
Jonathan Brearley, chief executive at Ofgem, previously told The Sun suppliers must do "all they can" to support customers who are concerns about increased direct debits.
Ofgem confirmed a rise in the energy price cap for around 24 million households in England, Scotland and Wales.
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It will remain in place until December 31, when it will be adjusted again, with latest forecasts warning bills could surge again to around £5,400 in January and around £7,000 in April.
A "Don't Pay" campaign calling on people not to pay their energy bills in October has received the support of more than 100,000 people.
If you don't pay your bill, there are serious consequences including debt collectors, marks on your credit score, and the risk of being shifted on to a prepayment meter.
But households are being warned not to cancel their direct debits either.
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Some people are considering stopping their automatic monthly payment to give them more control over their outgoings.
But doing so could mean you end up paying more.
When you set up a direct debit for your energy bill, you pay a set monthly amount which is automatically paid from your bank account to your supplier on a set day of the month.
The alternative is to get a bill sent to you each month and pay after you've received that.
But those who pay by direct debit will often get a discount, and it could save you hundreds.
The discount is automatic and most suppliers will add a line to your bill to say it has been applied.
The Sun has put together a handy guide to the full list of energy firms that offer a direct debit discount.
How can I get help with with my energy bill?
From September the second, one million people receiving tax credits will receive the first half of the £650 cost of living payment.
The money will be paid in the same way you usually get your tax credits.
And from September 20, over six million people with disabilities are set to receive £150 to help with the rising cost of living.
From October the first, all UK households are set to receive the £400 energy bills rebate.
The payment will be made up of six discounts between October and March next year.
Households will receive a £66 energy bill discount in October and November and a discount worth £67 in December, January, February and March.
We've listed how the leading energy suppliers plan to pay households the discount and are waiting on others to respond.
The way you'll be paid will depend on how you pay for your energy.
If you're on a credit meter the discount will come off your bills, but if you're on a prepayment meter you'll get a voucher.
Check with your supplier to confirm how you'll receive the cash.
In November, a £300 one-off "Pensioner Cost of Living Payment" will be paid out to eight million households.
Energy suppliers do also offer support for those who are struggling to pay their bills.
Those on Universal Credit and older legacy benefits could get over £3,000 in bill support.
There are plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you're struggling.
British Gas has recently confirmed that it'll pay its most vulnerable customers grants worth £750 to help with sky-high bills.
Ask your supplier what's on offer and how to apply.
If you're in debt there are plenty of services you can take advantage of and they offer free and friendly advice on how to manage debt.
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Most of them can offer you free guidance and help in person, over the telephone or online.
- - 0800 138 7777
- - 0808 800 9060
- - 0800 138 1111
- - 0808 808 4000