Electricity

As April's energy price cap increase looms, many people have contacted us shocked that their monthly energy bills have increased way above the average 54% price cap rise. In the video below (with transcript) MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis explains why this might be the case and suggests what you can do about it if you think the rise is unfair.

A technical hitch at energy suppliers E.on Next and Sainsbury's Energy - which are both operated by E.on - means potentially thousands of customers will have their direct debit payments taken two weeks later than usual, and so users should put aside enough cash in their accounts to cover the bill when it is due.

Households on a low income and in receipt of certain benefits may be able to get £140 off their energy bill under the Warm Home Discount scheme. But many major suppliers have now closed their schemes for 2021/22 and only Bulb, E.on, E.on Next, and So Energy are still accepting applications – so apply as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss out.  

Many people whose old energy firm has gone bust are having direct debit payments taken by both their new and old firm. This shouldn't happen and is leaving many short of cash – so why is this happening and what can you do?

Bulb, which supplies more than 1.7 million households, has collapsed into a so-called 'special administration', becoming the largest firm to fail during the current energy crisis. This process, which hasn't been used before in the energy market, means Bulb will continue to operate as usual for existing customers for now. But it will no longer take on new customers and its future as a company is uncertain.

Orbit Energy and Entice Energy, which have over 70,000 household customers between them, have become the latest energy providers to cease trading – meaning a total of 22 domestic energy suppliers have failed since September. If you're affected, your supply will continue and credit balances are protected. While it's likely you'll pay more now, there are no savings to be had by switching.

Neon Reef and Social Energy Supply, which have over 35,000 household customers between them, have become the latest energy providers to cease trading – meaning 19 domestic energy suppliers have gone bust since September. If you're affected, your supply will continue and credit balances are protected. While it's likely you'll pay more now, there are no savings to be had by switching.

Northern Ireland's largest electricity supplier Power NI is to increase electricity prices by 21.4%, meaning the typical bill for those on its standard tariff will jump by a massive £131/year.

PFP Energy, a gas and electricity supplier that has around 80,000 household customers, and small energy supplier MoneyPlus Energy, which has around 9,000 household customers, have today ceased trading. But your energy supply won't be affected. Here's everything you need to know. 

The energy price cap, which limits how much suppliers can charge households on poor value standard variable tariffs (SVTs), could be extended beyond 2023, while households on those tariffs will be given personalised switching advice, under new plans announced by the Government today.