Energy

The British Gas Energy Support Fund has today (Monday 12 September) reopened applications for grants of up to £1,500 to help customers struggling with their energy bills. But funds are limited, and applications should be made as soon as possible. Here's what you need to know.

A viral post being shared on Facebook and Twitter alongside a photo of MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) founder Martin Lewis claims people can "fight extortionate price hikes" by submitting complaints and subject access requests to their energy supplier. But this didn't come from Martin or MSE and has nothing to do with us.

Millions of people are facing "unaffordable" energy bill rises from October, as the price cap is now predicted to rise from £1,971 a year to £3,582 a year for someone on typical use. A further 19% rise is expected in January 2023, taking typical bills to £4,266 a year, according to the latest forecast from energy analysts Cornwall Insight. 

The Government has changed who is and isn't eligible for the Warm Home Discount scheme, with almost 300,000 disability benefit claimants no longer able to get the rebate. However, the change will see an additional 750,000 households receive the energy payment. Here's how to check if you're eligible.

The Government must "immediately" update its energy bills support package to provide additional help that is better targeted towards the most vulnerable, a cross-party group of MPs have said in a new report published today.

With the energy price cap now predicted to rise another 65% in October, taking typical bills to a frightening £3,240 a year, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis has warned Conservative Party leadership candidates that they must act as quickly as possible to prevent a "national financial cataclysm".

Smart home tech provider Hive is to switch off the technology for its security devices and leak sensors by 2025 leaving existing customers unable to use them. The shake-up has angered many - some of whom only recently purchased the items, which often cost £100s. But some can get refunds. 

Action Fraud, which collects reports of fraud on behalf of the police, has issued a warning for people to beware of fake text messages claiming to be from Ofgem, the energy regulator, which offers bogus £400 rebates. But this is a scam and you should not reply to it.

A technical hitch at energy supplier Bulb means some customers will have their direct debit payments taken later than usual, and so users should make sure they have enough funds in their accounts to cover the bill when it is due.

Hundreds of people say they've been wrongly sent letters by a debt collector on behalf of energy firms including British Gas and E.on, asking for payment of unpaid bills. But DON'T ignore these letters even if you don't owe the cash – we'll take you through step-by-step help on what to do if you get one.