Council to host energy advice Q&A in wake of price cap increase announcement

Representatives from both organisations will come together on Thursday, 8 September at midday, to take part in a virtual question and answer session, hosted on the Council’s Facebook page. 

 

Residents will be able to submit questions related to energy saving in advance by emailing them to communications@swindon.gov.uk or sending the Council a message on social media. The experts will respond to the most commonly asked questions, and share advice to support people at home to reduce their bills.

 

On 8 September residents can go to Swindon Borough Council’s Facebook page and watch the video when it’s streamed between 12 and 1pm.

 

This comes as Ofgem announced today (26 August) that the energy price cap will increase by 80 per cent, meaning that the average household bill for energy is likely to reach £3,549 a year from 1 October.

 

The energy price cap is backstop protection from the government, calculated by Ofgem and applies to those on a default energy tariff, whether paying by direct debit, standard credit or a prepayment meter.

 

The price cap won’t apply to those on a fixed-term energy tariff or those who have chosen a standard variable green energy tariff, which Ofgem has exempted from the cap.

 

Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, Councillor Cathy Martyn, said: “The huge rise in energy prices from October will clearly be a big worry for many households across Swindon going into winter and some are already struggling to pay bills. 

 

“This Facebook Q&A event is just one of the ways we want to help make it easy for residents to access information, advice and support to manage energy bills and reduce these wherever possible. 

 

“Warm and Safe Wiltshire (08000 385 722) is already available to provide free and impartial energy saving and fuel debt advice. Through the Household Support Fund, the Council also continues to administer a range of support measures including energy vouchers and hardship funding.

 

“If you’re at all worried, please get in contact with Citizens Advice Swindon (08082 787 813) for support. They’re here to help.” 

 

A local energy adviser from Warm and Safe Wiltshire will also be on hand to offer energy saving advice at two free drop-in sessions in Swindon next month:

Warm and Safe Wiltshire is a service provided by Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to help residents live in safer and healthier homes. 

 

Back in May, Swindon Borough Council launched a joint cost of living campaign with Citizens Advice Swindon and Crosslight Advice, to signpost 18 practical actions that residents can check to see if they, a friend or neighbour is eligible for any additional support.

 

Residents can check at: www.swindon.gov.uk/costofliving.