Gas

Some households with Boost prepayment meters have been hit with unexpected extra charges – totalling hundreds of pounds in some cases – due to a billing error which meant they had been paying too little for their energy. Below we explain what's happening and your rights.

Energy bills are rising for many this month despite the postponement of a 20% planned price increase in April. This is largely due to two reasons; firstly, the Government's £66 or £67 monthly support payments have stopped, and secondly, some suppliers are also reviewing direct debit levels at the same time. Here’s what you need to know.

More households using heating oil, LPG, biomass and other alternative fuels can now apply for £200 to help with their energy bills. That's because the Government has confirmed it will now accept receipts dating back to 1 June 2022 as evidence – a three-month extension on the previous September 2022 cut-off.

British Gas has cut gas prices for over a million of its prepay meter users as of Saturday 1 April, bringing them in line with the rates paid by those on direct debit. The change means these customers will save an average of £59 each on their gas costs over the next year. Here's what you need to know. 

Typical household energy bills will remain at £2,500 a year for at least three months from 1 April as the Government has heeded our and others' calls to postpone a planned 20% rise. The announcement ahead of today's Budget follows a month-long campaign led by Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, which has been backed by 130 charities and consumer organisations. 

Energy companies have agreed to stop forced installations of prepayment meters, industry regulator Ofgem has confirmed. This includes the remote switching of smart meters into prepay mode, as well as physical meter installations through the use of court warrants. It follows reports that some households were being forcibly switched despite being clearly vulnerable. 

Prepayment meter customers typically pay more for their energy than those paying by direct debit. But the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says from 1 July the "prepayment penalty" will end, cutting bills for over four million households.

A social tariff is the best way to stop millions of vulnerable people overpaying for energy, according to a new report from Citizens Advice published today. The consumer charity says eligible households could save up to £1,500 a year on their bills under the proposals. A social tariff is something MoneySavingExpert.com founder, Martin Lewis, has also long argued for. 

Scottish households on certain benefits can get £150 off their energy bills under the Warm Home Discount scheme – but, unlike in England and Wales, many in Scotland still need to apply. Yet payments are made on a first come, first served basis and some suppliers are starting to close their schemes – so apply as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss out.

Over a million households and businesses have joined energy firm schemes that pay you to cut your usage at peak times, with two official energy cutting events taking place last week. Below we explain how these schemes work, which energy suppliers are offering them and how you can sign up.