Swindon Borough Council is signposting residents to help services as concern grows over the rising cost of energy bills.

The latest energy price cap which controls what most households pay for energy is set to rise by 10 per cent from October 1, 2024.

This is equivalent to a £1,717 a year cap for a typical dual-fuel household paying for energy by Direct Debit.

Not only has this caused financial concern among residents, but the cap is expected to rise again even higher in January 2025.

In an effort to reassure Swindon residents struggling to heat their homes, Swindon Borough Council is signposting locals to support services which can help.

The council is also set to receive an additional £1.5m between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of the Household Support Fund, which will be spent on supporting residents struggling the most with the cost of food, energy and wider essentials.

Cllr Jim Grant, Cabinet member for Communities and Joint Working, said: “We know some residents will be worried about their energy bills this winter.

“Helping support local residents who may struggle to pay for necessities, such as heating, is a key priority for us.

“Local people can also visit the cost of living page on our website where we’ve highlighted help and support available.”

Five ways to get help with rising energy prices

The energy price cap will rise from October 1, 2024.The energy price cap will rise from October 1, 2024. (Image: Getty)1. Warm & Safe Wiltshire

Set up by Swindon Borough Council and partners back in 2015, Warm & Safe Wiltshire offers free advice on how to keep your home warm and reduce your bills.

The service helped 1,123 Swindon households in 2023/24 save a total of £146,000 on their energy bills.

Support can range from simple advice over the phone by calling 0800 038 5722 to home visits and casework for people with more complex needs.

2. Free or lower-cost insulation

Residents struggling financially this winter should check to see if they're eligible for free or lower-cost insulation to reduce the bills.

You can apply to the Great British Insulation Scheme if your property has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G and is in Council Tax bands A to D.

You can also apply for free wall and loft insulation from the Connected for Warmth scheme if your property has an EPC of C or below and is in Council Tax bands A to D.

3. Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment

The Government estimates that around 850,000 eligible pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit, worth on average up to £3,900 per year, so it's always worth checking this.

From this winter, Swindon residents who claim Pension Credit will be automatically eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual tax-free Government grant of usually between £200 and £300 to help towards the cost of energy bills.

4. Money saving tips

Swindon Borough Council is urging residents who are struggling to check Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website for a list of tips for curing energy usage.

For example, turning a thermostat down by just one degree could save around £100 a year on average for a typical home.

Residents with a combi boiler (the most common type) could save up to £65 a year on their gas bill by reducing the flow temperature.

5. Hardship grant

Anyone still worried about paying their energy bills or being able to top up their prepayment meter should contact their energy supplier.

Energy suppliers must work with customers to agree on a payment plan they can afford under Ofgem rules and this includes reviewing a plan customers have agreed before.

Those in debt to their energy supplier might be able to apply to them for a non-repayable hardship grant to help pay it off.