Energy Crises in UK

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Energy Crises in UK - Beta Energy Direct

Energy Crises in UK

Thousands of people die each winter in the UK from fuel shortages. This usually means that when more than 10% of his household net income is spent on fuel, he/she cannot afford to heat the house to a safe and comfortable level. It undermines our health, welfare and education levels and makes it difficult for people to participate in society and the economy.




Energy shortages have affected around 10% of UK households – millions of households – for decades. This year saw a surge in the number of households struggling to buy heat and electricity due to a cost-of-living crisis that included rising gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As of October 2021, an estimated 4 million UK households are running short of fuel. However, April 2022’s record high in gas and electricity prices will cause an additional 2.7 million households to run out of fuel, bringing the total to 6.7 million. And it was before the state regulatory authorities, OFGEM, announced in August,22 that the average energy rate would be 3,549 pounds by October 2022. In this scenario, the estimated 8.2 million households, that is, his three households, falls into fuel shortage this winter, and in just six months, 1.5 million households will be driven into fuel shortages.

In order to stop the crisis, the government recently announced a two -year plan to limit the energy costs of home to £ 2,500. Although it is much lower than the 3,549 pounds per year, which is the prediction of OFGEM, 2,500 pounds have doubled his average utility costs per year, increasing by 500 pounds since April 2022.

Therefore, it is unlikely that the cap will significantly reduce the number of households that fall into fuel shortage this winter. Even those who have high energy need to pay more than an average of £ 2,500.


Why are energy bills rising?

In February 2022, energy regulator Ofgem announced a 54% increase in the price energy companies can charge their customers. That means millions of people across the UK will face high bills in his April.

What is price cap?

A price cap is a form of economic regulation that limits the prices that utilities can charge. For example, price caps allow oil and gas companies to “pass on to their customers all reasonable costs, including increased gas purchase costs.” There is a lot of misinformation about the cause of the rising costs, but Ofgem itself says that the rise in heating costs is due to record high gas prices worldwide.


What has caused this energy crisis?

Over the past decade, the UK government has failed to invest in insulation despite calls from environmental and energy poverty groups.

A whopping 87% of UK households rely on gas. This over-reliance means that we are particularly vulnerable to global price changes, and this vulnerability is driven by the fact that our homes are poorly insulated compared to other European countries. It gets worse.

For decades, successive governments, including this one, have missed opportunities to properly invest in renewable energy. If they prioritized clean energy and home insulation, the demand for gas to heat our homes would be much lower and the current price hikes would be less impacted. The impact will be devastating as more people are forced to choose between buying groceries and heating their homes. Health inequalities will widen as price increases are expected to continue into next winter, forcing households to turn off heating. Elderly and clinically vulnerable individuals are most at risk as a cold home can lead to:

  • Higher risk of respiratory infections and bronchitis
  • Stress on the cardiovascular system
  • Exacerbation of asthma symptoms or development of asthma
  • Increased risk of mental health problems.

Dining and heating needn’t be a priority, especially when the oil and gas giant is reporting its biggest gains in years. Support is urgently needed to help those most at risk.


Why have energy bills gone up?

This was largely due to rising wholesale gas prices driven by rising gas demand following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, but also due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which threatened supplies and pushed up prices.

Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and gas, and in 2021 she will supply the EU with 40% of its gas.


When will my energy bills go down?

Some estimates suggest that energy prices could remain high through 2024. As international gas prices continue to fluctuate, it is difficult to say exactly when energy prices will fall.


Is the UK being hit harder than other European countries?

The UK is not the only European country suffering from high energy prices. In contrast to the UK, the rest of Europe gets significantly more gas from Russia and is at higher risk from reduced energy supplies.

The UK appears to have been hit harder than its European neighbors. Over the 12 months to March 2022, her average increase in EU energy prices was 41%, while UK ceiling prices rose 58% over the same period.


How might energy bills come down?

What could the UK Government do to support people now?

It is difficult for the UK government to pinpoint the root cause of high energy bills, but it needs to intervene now to ease the pain of high bills for consumers.

This can be done in various ways. Additional support payments to reflect higher bills (which may be paid in additional contingent taxes on high oil and gas company profits), temporary reductions in VAT on energy bills, “Energy Invoice discounts cannot be offered through “vacation” schemes or temporary renationalization of energy companies.

It is also important that governments work to reduce household energy use by supporting national energy efficiency programs.


What about the October energy price cap?

Should I submit a meter reading before the new October price cap comes into place?

We recommend that you submit your current meter readings as soon as possible, and submit meter readings on a regular basis so that you only pay for what you use.

The UK government’s new price guarantee sets a lower cap (£2,500 for the average household) than Ofgem’s announced price cap (£3,549), which was due to be introduced in October. It’s still higher than the current price cap.

Until October 1st, the price of energy consumed per unit will remain at the current cap price. Electricity prices can be higher, so it’s worth taking a meter reading before the price increase goes into effect.

If you do not provide a meter reading, your energy supplier will estimate the amount of energy you have used. This means that even if you reduce your energy consumption, you may still be charged a higher price for the energy consumed before the price cap was introduced.


What support is there for paying energy bills?

What support is available to help me pay my energy bill?

If you need help paying your electricity bill now, contact your utility immediately or contact us right now.
All households will receive £400 from their bill from October in monthly payments for six months from October 2022 to March 2023, with more vulnerable households receiving additional payments.
Our top tips can also help you save up to £564 a year on your bill. Wherever you are in the UK, we have additional help.


What happens if you can’t pay your energy bill?

We know a lot of people worry about paying their utility bills.
Citizens Advice advises people who have payment problems to contact the supplier immediately to discuss payment options. Suppliers need legal support to find a solution. For example, they can set up payment plans that you can afford.


How can you get £400 off your energy bills from October,22?

In September 2022, the UK government announced that the October price cap will not go ahead as planned.

Instead, a typical household in England, Scotland and Wales will pay an average of up to £2,500 a year in utility bills through 2024.

This is around £1,000 cheaper than if the October price cap had been set.

The UK government has announced that UK households will continue to receive the proposed £400 rebate on their electricity bills. It’s part of a support package to address rising energy costs. This subsidy is known as the Energy Bill Support Scheme and does not have to be repaid. 

Who will get the £400 discount?

All homes connected to the grid in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for a £400 rebate.
The UK Government is working to ensure that people in Northern Ireland receive adequate assistance as soon as possible.

How will I get the discount?

You do not need to apply for a discount. This will start the first payment in October 2022, and will be paid to consumers from electric power supply companies for six months.

Households receive a 66 -pound electricity rate rebate every month in October and November. This will change from December to March 2023 to £ 67 per month.

Regardless of how to pay for energy (such as an account debit or prepaid meter), all households receive a monthly rebate. 

Do I need to contact my energy supplier for the discount?

No, there is no need to contact the power company. Because all households with a home electrical connection automatically receive the discount.

However, if you have not received your first installment by the end of October 2022, you will need to contact your energy supplier.

You will never be asked for your bank details.

How will the £400 discount be paid?

Below are details on how the rebate will be paid based on your current energy bill payment method.

Debit charge
Pay your energy bill by direct debit and your monthly payment will be automatically discounted or refunded to your bank account. This is done once a month over a six-month payment period.

Standard credit and payment cards
If you pay with a standard credit or payment card, the discount will automatically be applied to your account on the first week of each month. Credits will appear in your account as if you made a payment.

Smart prepaid meter
If you pay via a prepaid smart meter, the discount will be credited directly to your prepaid smart meter on the 1st week of each month.

Conventional prepaid meter
Those who pay with a traditional prepaid meter will receive a redeemable coupon or special action message (SAM) on the first week of each month. These are sent by SMS, email or post. These vouchers can be redeemed with regular charge points.

 

Is it a loan that I have to pay back?

The £400 is a grant, not a loan, so will not need to be repaid.

Will I get the discount if I live in a park home, houseboat or live off the grid?

The government estimates that around 1% of UK households are ineligible for the £400 rebate because they do not have a home electricity meter or have no direct relationship with their electricity supplier.
Additional funds will be made available to provide comparable support to these households. Details on how and when to access support will be announced later this year. 

What happens if I move house or switch energy supplier?

All utilities will apply a £400 reduction to your bill from October. It doesn’t matter if you change providers.
Discount is granted by 6 months payment based on his 6 dates during the period. This means that newly eligible households will benefit from the relevant portion of a total of £400, as there are multiple eligible dates to base payments on.

The £400 doesn’t cover the whole increase. Where can I get more help to pay my energy bills?

A £400 rebate will help cover some of the increase, but given the steep price increases, we know many people will struggle to pay their energy bills.
Our top tips can help you save up to £375 a year on your bill. Wherever you are in the UK, we have additional help. 

I don’t need the discount – can I opt out?

All households with a home electricity connection automatically receive a €400 discount on monthly installments from October.
The government does not offer an opt-out option and says it is up to individual households to decide whether to keep the £400. It’s up to you to donate the discount to charity.


How to switch gas and electric suppliers with Beta Energy Direct (BED)

Now you know the best time to switch energy suppliers. The quickest and easiest way to switch your company’s electricity or gas provider is to let Beta Energy Direct (BED)‘s tech-savvy team do the heavy lifting. A simple phone call is all it takes for our experts to find the best deals and negotiate special rates from our panel of trusted suppliers. This saves you time and money that you can invest in your business. To see how much you can save, enter your zip code in the box on the right or call our tech-savvy team on (0800) 999-1160.


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