Cold snap brings worries to consumer power bills

A recent survey made by Which? revealed that four out of 10 households worry about their electricity bills this month.

Approximately 65 per cent said that they were thinking about their bills more often, while 38 per cent worry on how they could pay the charges. One website said that due to the cold snap, it is expecting a rise of £226 this month for dual fuel bills, £70 more compared to the previous month.

On the other hand, British Gas plans to hold talks with consumers who are having difficulties in paying their bills, and advises energy users to contact the company as early as possible.

A British Gas spokeswoman said that help will be on an individual basis. For example, old and vulnerable people will get extra help from the company, as well as from the government. She added that advices on energy efficiency are posted as well at the company’s website.

British Gas will also ask affected residents to concur to a more appropriate payment terms or tariff, if needed. In most cases, as a last option, they could force energy consumers to use prepayment meters.

Meanwhile, consumers receiving Pension Credit or other benefits will acquire £25 discount on their energy bills. The bill reduction is only applicable if temperatures recorded or forecasted for seven consecutive days are below freezing point.

People over the age of 60 can also get winter fuel compensation ranging from £125 to £400. But if the consumer is above 60 and does not have any benefit, the person can get a £300 rebate when buying a new central heating system or £400 from the boiler scrappage scheme.