Worried about rising energy bills? You are not alone

You are not alone if today’s energy price cap increase announcement has left you worried about paying your bills this winter.

Ofgem has confirmed an 80.06% rise in the energy price cap, sending the average household’s yearly bill from £1,971 to £3,549 from October.

Working together with local charities, Shropshire Council and key organisations across the county are supporting residents through these challenging times.

In partnership with Marches Energy Agency, Shropshire Council’s team Keep Shropshire Warm, is offering free home MOTs to help people save money on their bills this winter.

As part of the energy MOT, one of our friendly Keep Shropshire Warm advisors will inspect your home for any ‘major faults’ and ‘advisories’, check your energy usage and offer solutions before the colder months arrive.

They will also fit free, low-cost energy saving measures and answer any questions you have – big or small.

You will then receive a copy of your MOT with suggestions of what to do next. To book a free home energy MOT, call 0800 112 3743.

Councillor Gwilym Butler, cabinet member for finance and corporate resources said:

If you or someone you know is worrying about money or struggling right now, you are not alone. Many people in Shropshire are concerned about rising living costs.

There will be things you can do, like booking a free home energy MOT to reduce your costs. If you are still worried about being able to make your payments, let your energy supplier know. They need to know that you’re struggling so they can direct you to the right support.

If you are getting into debt or your mental health is suffering, please do not wait to ask for help.

With our partners we have created an online resource full of information for Shropshire residents on the help that is available to maximise your income, reduce costs and get support.

Click here to visit the cost of living help page – shropshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help

More information

• The cost of living advice and support is a partnership between Shropshire Council, Citizens Advice Shropshire, Marches Energy Agency, Shropshire Food Poverty Alliance, Age UK and Shropshire Mental Health Support.
• Keep Shropshire Warm is a partnership between Shropshire Council and Marches Energy Agency. The scheme provides free and impartial energy advice to local residents through an advice line, home visits and community events, as well as funding for energy efficiency measures.