Energy bills are set to rise in October – but free help could make a difference for Preston residents

Households across Preston and Blackburn are facing another increase in energy costs this October, with the typical annual bill rising by £60.

Energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed that its price cap will increase by four per cent from 1 October. This means an annual bill for a typical household paying by Direct Debit will rise from £1,663 to £1,723. The new cap will remain in place until December 31.

For families already managing tight household budgets, the increase is another reminder of the importance of understanding energy costs and finding out what help may be available.

That is where The Wise Group’s free Heat and Be Warm service can help. Delivered by social enterprise The Wise Group, Heat and Be Warm provides free, confidential and impartial advice to eligible households across Preston, Greater Preston, Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale.

The service can also provide wider support with benefit entitlement, income maximisation and debt where appropriate.

Heather McKirdy, team lead for Heat and Be Warm, said: “When people hear that the price cap is going up, it is understandable that they worry about what it will mean for their own household.

“But the national figure is only a guide. What matters is understanding your own energy use, your tariff and whether there are practical steps or financial support that could make a difference.

“Our Energy Mentors can help people look at the whole picture. That might mean checking whether they are on the most appropriate tariff, identifying ways to reduce energy use, or helping them access support they did not realise was available.”

Head to jobs fair this month to talk in person

Heat and Be Warm will be offering free energy advice and support at the Preston Jobs Fair later this month. The team will be attending the event at Deepdale Stadium on Wednesday, September 30, from 10am to 1pm.

The jobs fair, held in The Greats Room at the home of Preston North End, brings together local employers and people looking for new career opportunities. But visitors will also be able to speak to Heat and Be Warm Mentors about managing energy costs and accessing financial support.

Heather added: “Looking for work can be a challenging time, particularly when household bills and other financial pressures are continuing to rise.

“We want people to know that support is available. Our Mentors can help residents understand their energy bills, explore ways to reduce costs and find out whether they are entitled to grants or other financial assistance.

“You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help, and a conversation at the jobs fair could be the first step towards making your household finances more manageable.”

What is the Heat and Be Warm service?

The service provides free, confidential and impartial advice to eligible households across Preston, Greater Preston, Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale, regardless of who supplies their energy.

Mentors can help residents understand confusing bills, check their energy arrangements, improve the energy efficiency of their homes and identify practical ways to reduce costs without compromising on comfort.

They can also help households explore grants, energy-related hardship funding and wider support with benefits, income maximisation and debt where appropriate.

“We know that energy costs are only one part of the financial pressure many households are experiencing. Someone might be worried about their heating bill, but there may also be an opportunity to increase their income or access support that helps with their wider circumstances,” says Heather.

“The important thing is that people do not need to wait until they are in crisis. A conversation with one of our Mentors can help them understand their options and make informed decisions about what is right for them.”

With the colder months approaching, the service is encouraging residents to seek advice before higher winter energy use adds further pressure to household finances.

Even relatively small changes can make a difference over time, while accessing the right financial support could provide more substantial help for households that qualify.

For free advice and support, call 0800 092 9002, email [email protected] or visit www.heat-thewisegroup.co.uk.

Or find them at the Preston Jobs Fair on Wednesday, September 30, from 10am to 1pm at Deepdale Stadium, Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston PR1 6RU.