Yoursuresave Energy | Almost 4 Million in Debt to their Energy Providers

LIVERPOOL, U.K. - April 5, 2013 - PRLog -- At the astonishing rate that energy prices have been rising in recent months  it’s hardly surprising that so many families in the UK are struggling to keep up with their payments, with many forced into fuel poverty.

The report by the Debt Advisory Centre also states that many who are in debt have been so for some time.  41% had been in debt to their electricity supplier for more than three months and 33% had been in debt to their gas supplier for 3 months or more.  

For those in these categories there is the added worry of being forced into using a prepayment meter in order to help manage their debt.  Prepayment meters often use a higher rate and sometimes there is an extra charge for having one installed.

The Debt Advisory Centre’s advice to those struggling to pay their utility bills is to not stop paying their usage costs and to contact their provider to see what options and arrangements can be made in order to bring down the arrears.  

The government recommends[1] to those who are struggling to pay their gas and electricity that they shop around.  The energy market is very competitive and it is almost common practice now for the best and cheapest tariffs to be offered to new customers in order to entice them to the business.

Additionally, under new government rules, those on pre-payment meters are still allowed to switch to another energy supplier even if they are in debt up to £500 [2].

Those not in debt and on monthly payment can reduce their monthly overheads by switching to a cheaper tariff.  Providers will give a discount to those who opt to manage their energy accounts online - foregoing paper bills, and also to those who choose to pay by direct debit.  

With automatic smart metering options available from some energy suppliers, monthly direct debits are more accurate so there is less need to worry about overpaying for what is used.

Yoursuresave Energy has compiled an article giving advice on how energy and money can be saved around the home - Save Energy and Save Money with other articles available throughout the blog.

A Yoursuresave Energy Switch also compares all the UK energy providers and their tariffs, from fixed tariffs to green tariffs and tariffs that come with added benefits such as cash-back and vouchers.

The Energy Saving Trust also has lots of advice on how to save energy around the home and where to get help with energy costs, insulation and debt management.

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ - 0300 123 1234

http://www.debtadvisorycentre.co.uk/ - 0800 195 2714 or 0161 779 5097

http://www.yoursuresave.com  - 08448707888

[1] Guardian: Cameron tells energy customers to shop around for savings
[2] BBCNews: Energy customer get switch rights under Ofgem plan