Bristol charity sees surge in people struggling to pay energy bills

"It's not just energy bills people are struggling with," Katey Bells said

A charity helping people with their energy bills said people are "struggling on a much bigger level" this winter.

The Bristol Centre for Sustainable Energy launched their Share the Warmth appeal to support people with their energy bills through the winter.

The centre says demand for help has surged.

"It's not just energy bills people are struggling with," Katey Bells, energy advice manager for the charity, said.

"It's everything. They are struggling on a much bigger level than they were before."

She added that about 80% of energy bills were heating and hot water costs.

"Things like keeping lights off, turning off the fridge, not watching TV aren't going to save you much money, but they are going to have a big impact on your wellbeing.

"So I would avoid those sort of things," Ms Bells said.

'It's not right'

The charity gives advice about saving energy costs and paying bills via their advice hotline.

The recently launched Share the Warmth appeal hopes to raise funds to keep the advice line running.

Janine Michael of the Centre for Sustainable Energy added: "Every day, our energy advisors speak to more and more people struggling with energy bills, expensive heating systems, or in cold and draughty homes.  

"Everyone has seen a huge increase in their energy bills and with the rising cost of living, more people than ever are struggling.

"We help when people are in debt to their gas or electricity supplier and we ensure they access the benefits they are entitled to so they can afford to heat their homes. "It's not right that people are living in cold, uncomfortable homes and avoiding using energy."

What do I do if I can't afford to pay?

Energy suppliers now have to help struggling customers with their energy bills after new rules came into effect.

Since 14 December Ofgem has required companies to contact vulnerable customers if they miss two monthly or one quarterly payment and check to see if they are having financial problems with their bills.

Energy firms must help by offering affordable payment plans or repayment holidays if appropriate.

It comes as household energy prices are set to go up again in January, with the typical annual household bill going up to £1,928, according to the regulator.