Home energy

Around 18,000 Good Energy and Ovo Energy customers have been, or are to be, refunded and offered compensation after the energy firms were found to have charged some users more than the maximum rates allowed. 

Energy suppliers have been permanently banned from fitting prepayment meters into the homes of over-85s and those with chronic illnesses under a new code of practice. Firms also need to prove they meet the industry regulator's new code before restarting forced installations, plus they must now visit each home they plan to install meters into in advance.   

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.

Many British Gas smart meter customers say they are still unable to track their energy usage, with some complaining they've been unable to check consumption regularly on the firm's app, website and in-house display for over a year. So if you're looking to monitor and cut your usage, you'll need to do this manually by taking meter readings yourself.

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. 

Will the Government cancel its planned 20% energy price rise in April and what will the new rates be? MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis answers these questions and more in the latest episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live – which also features an interview with Energy Secretary Grant Shapps.

Tens of thousands of financially vulnerable people are likely slipping through eligibility cracks in the £150 Warm Home Discount support scheme, according to MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE). After direct contact between MSE founder Martin Lewis and energy secretary Grant Shapps, the minister has promised he will look into the complaints.

Struggling British Gas customers with prepayment meters will receive a £250 free credit to help with bills. The energy company would not tell us specifically who would be getting the payment but said it will identify those in need and make the payment without the need to apply.

Wholesale energy rates have dropped rapidly in recent months and there are many myths about what it means and what it doesn't flying around social media. In the latest episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, MSE's founder Martin Lewis explains what's really going to happen to bills – below is the crucial six-minute explainer.