Energy bills are set to rise from July 1st, here’s how The Bridge can help!
OFGEM have announced that the energy price cap will rise by 13% from the 1st July. An average household will pay £221 more per year for their energy bills. OFGEM have stated this is a consequence of the inflation caused by the US-Israel war with Iran.
The current inflation rate in the UK is 3%. This means that energy prices are about to rise by over 4 times the current inflation rate.
The rising cost of living is already having a detrimental impact on households across Leicestershire, and we understand that a further increase in energy prices will be a huge concern for households across the region.
If you are struggling with bills, the cost of living, or concerned about how higher energy bills will affect you, there a number of completely free ways you can get support:
- Home Energy Advice for people living in Charnwood
- Energy Advice through LEAP for anyone in the UK
- Support from households facing crisis through the Leicestershire Welfare Provision
Read on to see how these schemes could help you!
Home Energy Advice in Charnwood (and soon in Leicester City)
As a member of the Local Energy Advise Partnership we have a Home Energy Advisor ready to visit your home and help save you money. Louise is a fully qualified Energy Awareness and Fuel Debt Advisor.
This service is currently only available for those living in Charnwood, but we are expanding to include Leicester City in the near future.
During your home visit Louise will:
- Provide in-depth energy advice
- Conduct a survey of your property to assess whether you are eligible for other programmes to help with your energy bills
The programmes include:
- Boiler repairs and replacements
- Heating system tune-ups
- Replacement of old appliances
- Fit energy saving measures to your home e.g. radiator foils, lightbulbs, draught excluders
Louise can also refer you directly to our Triage team for additional financial support, fuel vouchers, or any other support you may require.
To access this service, you simply need to self-refer through the LEAP website. If you live in Charnwood, you will automatically be considered for a home visit should you choose.
You can find the full eligibility criteria here.
Self-refer to LEAP here.
Get support with your energy bills through LEAP (UK Wide)
LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) is a nationwide programme which can help you reduce your energy bills.
If you choose to self-refer to LEAP, you will be contacted to arrange a telephone appointment with one of their Energy Advisors. In this appointment, a LEAP Energy Advisor will assess your situation so they can help you can understand your energy bills and your current usage.
They will also provide money-saving advice tailored to your personal circumstances and help you claim any support you may be entitled to.
You can find the full eligibility criteria here.
Self-refer to LEAP here.
Leicestershire Welfare Provision (anyone living in Leicestershire)
The Leicestershire Welfare Provision is an emergency service available to assist people in crisis who are without food/gas/electricity.
This service can assist with:
- Fuel top ups for PAYG and Smart Meters
- Food parcels for single people and families.
- Referrals to Local Foodbanks
Our Triage team will assess your situation to ensure you meet the following criteria:
- You are eligible for means tested benefits (for example: Income related ESA, Income based JSA, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and Universal Credit)
- You live in Leicestershire
- You cannot afford food or pre-payment energy bills
You will need to provide evidence that proves you meet this criteria. This could include benefit entitlements, proof of bank balance, or evidence you are facing a crisis.
Decisions are made within 24 hours of submitting a self-referral, but usually on the same day.
You can apply to this service through the form at the bottom of this page. Alternatively, you can email us on hello@thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk, or call us on 01509 260500/0800 038 5964.
Complete the form below to make an application:
