Half of Brits struggling with energy bills have never asked for help, poll reveals --[Reported by Umva mag]

HALF of consumers who struggle with their energy bills have never asked for help. A poll of 2,000 adults found 39 per cent have difficulty managing them, but 45 per cent have never sought assistance – whether that be turning to loved ones or seeking professional advice. 50% of consumers who struggle with their energy bills have never asked for help Reasons for this include belief they wouldn’t qualify for the support (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (28 per cent), and lack of information (26 per cent). A fifth believe there isn’t enough energy advice out there. And more than four in 10 (42 per cent) are worried about how they are going to keep on top of things this winter. The research was commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust – British Gas Energy Trust – which has partnered with the Post Office and eight local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events at post offices across the UK this winter. Abi Robins, director of responsible business at British Gas, said: “We know the colder months can be tough on a lot of people and there isn’t always advice readily available. “The Post Office Pop-Ups provide help on lots of topics such as budget planning, energy debt advice, help with accessing energy debt write-off grants, and energy efficiency measures. “Grants, fund money and energy advice services are also available through the Trust– with donations from British Gas topping £200m since 2004 – as well as providing direct support to struggling customers with matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit.” The study also found rising costs, difficulty managing finances, and fear of disconnection were among the main concerns when it comes to paying energy bills this winter. When speaking to someone about getting support, 26 per cent would want a face-to-face conversation. But 35 per cent admit they find it difficult to talk about the struggles they face when paying their energy bills. Of those who have previously got help, 35 per cent turned to friends or family, 27 per cent used Government schemes, and 24 per cent sought financial advice or counselling. And according to the OnePoll.com data, half found it easy sourcing this information. Exactly six in 10 of all respondents think there should be more support programmes to help people managing rising energy costs. Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know some consumers really want face to face advice, so these pop-ups are just one way we’re helping those already struggling with rising living costs this winter. “We offer energy debt write-off grants through our Individuals and Families Fund, open now, and Energy Support Fund, opening 4th of November, to households facing fuel poverty, among other criteria.” Simon Lambert, commercial and operations director at Post Office, said: “Every week, more than a million energy customers visit our branches to pay bills or top up. “These pop-ups – held in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Newport and Stockport – are a fantastic way to connect customers with the additional support they may need this winter.” 4 ways to keep your energy bills low Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips. 1. Turn your heating down by one degree You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70. 2. Switch appliances and lights off  It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills 3. Install a smart meter Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used. 4. Consider switching energy supplier No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk. Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

HALF of consumers who struggle with their energy bills have never asked for help.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 39 per cent have difficulty managing them, but 45 per cent have never sought assistance – whether that be turning to loved ones or seeking professional advice.

Reasons for this include belief they wouldn’t qualify for the support (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (28 per cent), and lack of information (26 per cent).

A fifth believe there isn’t enough energy advice out there.

And more than four in 10 (42 per cent) are worried about how they are going to keep on top of things this winter.

The research was commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust – British Gas Energy Trust – which has partnered with the Post Office and eight local community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events at post offices across the UK this winter.

Abi Robins, director of responsible business at British Gas, said: “We know the colder months can be tough on a lot of people and there isn’t always advice readily available.

“The Post Office Pop-Ups provide help on lots of topics such as budget planning, energy debt advice, help with accessing energy debt write-off grants, and energy efficiency measures.

“Grants, fund money and energy advice services are also available through the Trust– with donations from British Gas topping £200m since 2004 – as well as providing direct support to struggling customers with matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit.”

The study also found rising costs, difficulty managing finances, and fear of disconnection were among the main concerns when it comes to paying energy bills this winter.

When speaking to someone about getting support, 26 per cent would want a face-to-face conversation.

But 35 per cent admit they find it difficult to talk about the struggles they face when paying their energy bills.

Of those who have previously got help, 35 per cent turned to friends or family, 27 per cent used Government schemes, and 24 per cent sought financial advice or counselling.

And according to the OnePoll.com data, half found it easy sourcing this information.

Exactly six in 10 of all respondents think there should be more support programmes to help people managing rising energy costs.

Jessica Taplin, chief executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know some consumers really want face to face advice, so these pop-ups are just one way we’re helping those already struggling with rising living costs this winter.

“We offer energy debt write-off grants through our Individuals and Families Fund, open now, and Energy Support Fund, opening 4th of November, to households facing fuel poverty, among other criteria.”

Simon Lambert, commercial and operations director at Post Office, said: “Every week, more than a million energy customers visit our branches to pay bills or top up.

“These pop-ups – held in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leicester, Leeds, Newport and Stockport – are a fantastic way to connect customers with the additional support they may need this winter.”

4 ways to keep your energy bills low

Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.

1. Turn your heating down by one degree

You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.

2. Switch appliances and lights off 

It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills

3. Install a smart meter

Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.

4. Consider switching energy supplier

No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.

Related Posts

Hundreds who’ve lost winter fuel payments can apply for...

Oct 15, 2024

Five simple ways to save on the cost of traditional roa...

Oct 15, 2024

Over half of homeowners want to ‘improve not move’, fin...

Oct 15, 2024