UK Households Face £140 Higher Bills on Quarterly Payments as Gas-Driven Energy Costs Rise Into Winter
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 27
UK Households Face £140 Higher Bills on Quarterly Payments as Gas-Driven Energy Costs Rise Into Winter
10 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 27
Ofgem says households paying energy bills quarterly rather than by monthly direct debit typically pay about £140 more a year, making payment method one of the quickest savings options before July price rises.
22 million billpayers already on fixed tariffs have price certainty, and some current fixed deals are below the price cap, though that advantage could narrow if international gas prices fall sharply.
Experts also urge low-cost efficiency steps now—blocking draughts, bleeding radiators, changing cooking habits and shortening showers—to trim winter consumption before higher rates bite.
£4.5 billion in unpaid bills and charges is already owed collectively, and suppliers may offer write-offs, payment plans or appliance help if struggling customers ask for support.
Millions of pounds in benefits and local energy-efficiency grants go unclaimed, with pension credit highlighted as a key gateway to wider assistance as elevated gas costs are expected to keep bills high into winter.
Beyond household savings, what is the plan to break free from volatile global gas prices?
With fixed energy deals vanishing, is locking in a rate now a smart move or a risky gamble?
New regulations were meant to protect consumers. Why are bills still so vulnerable to global events?