Utilities

The alternative fuel payment, which will give £200 to households that don't use mains gas, will be made "as soon as possible in the New Year", according to the Government. We've full info on what the scheme is and how it'll work below. 

More than one in five energy users on traditional prepayment meters say they're yet to receive EITHER of their £66 Government energy help vouchers for October and November, with customers of British Gas being the worst hit, according to a MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) survey of over 5,500 people.

With many complaining about unfair energy direct debit hikes, we take a look at variable direct debits, and MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shows you when it's worth considering them.

With energy bills almost doubling this winter and looking set to rise again by more than 40% next year, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis takes a detailed look at the current situation and how much higher bills might climb in 2023. Martin also runs through the crucial financial help available in the latest episode of ITV's The Martin Lewis Money Show Live (watch the full episode).

Energy suppliers have been told to do more to help support vulnerable customers this winter by the energy regulator. Improvements called for include demonstrating more clearly how pre-payment customers, who may be self-disconnecting, are identified and supported. 

Hundreds of thousands of households in England and Wales could be eligible for up to 90% off their water bill by switching to a discounted tariff provided by their supplier. If you're struggling, we've rounded up below what each supplier has to offer and how to check if you're eligible and apply. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today announced that the energy price guarantee (EPG), introduced in October to protect households from a hideous 80% increase in energy bills, will continue after April. However, the support available will be massively scaled back. Currently, a typical dual-fuel household pays £2,500/year under the EPG – from April, it'll be £3,000/year until 31 March 2024. We've full info on today's announcements below.

Households on certain benefits living in England and Wales can get £150 off their energy bills this winter under the Warm Home Discount after the scheme reopened this week. However, unlike previous years, you won't be able to apply for it as you should get it automatically - here's how to check if you're eligible.

Two of the largest energy firms in Britain, British Gas and Ovo, are still unable to confirm they'll let smart prepay customers use their £400 energy support payments on both electricity AND gas – despite gas being crucial for many people's heating this winter. As the second Government payment of £66 starts hitting meters, MoneySavingExpert.com is once again calling on these firms to let their customers decide how best to use it.

TalkTalk is hiking the price of its TV service from £4 to £5 a month for all new and existing customers from 1 November 2022. But it's an optional add-on, so you can cancel at any time penalty-free. Here's what you need to know.