While the energy price cap has fallen by almost seven percent this month, delivering the typical household roughly £117 in annual savings on their energy bill, specialists are cautioning that thousands won’t manage to cope if costs begin climbing. Debt charity Money Wellness warned that nearly half of those it supports are already behind on payments, with some owing as much as £15,000 in total debt.

Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, said: “Many households are already living on a knife-edge. If energy prices rise further after July, tens of thousands of households could be forced to make stark choices between heating their homes, buying food, or keeping up with other essential bills.

“Without targeted support, these pressures risk pushing vulnerable families into crisis, with long-lasting consequences for their financial and personal wellbeing. Anyone worried about coping with bills or debt should seek help as soon as possible, as support is available to guide households through these challenges.”

The debt specialist outlined six crucial ways households can attempt to reduce their energy bill and prevent the ‘knife edge’, encouraging families to take action immediately rather than waiting until circumstances become desperate.

Contact your supplier

Energy suppliers are legally obliged to assist customers experiencing financial difficulties to help prevent arrears from mounting up. The specialist encouraged people to reach out to their energy supplier for this assistance early, stating: “Don’t wait until you’re behind.”

Households may be able to arrange repayment plans that reflect what they can realistically manage to pay towards their energy bills. Providers may temporarily lower or suspend payments or supply emergency credit for homes using prepayment meters.

Providers can also direct and assist you in accessing other suitable support such as grants or hardship funds.

Early advice

Likewise, the specialists encouraged people not to delay until their debts are mounting up. Households already facing arrears can access free, independent debt guidance from organisations like Money Wellness and other debt charities that can prevent the arrears from escalating.

Fix payments

The debt specialist explained: “Setting a fixed direct debit or payment plan gives certainty over what’s going out each month, making it easier to budget and avoid unexpected spikes.”

Check entitlements

Numerous people may qualify for additional support from the government through programmes like Warm Home Discounts, Winter Fuel Payments and local authority grants. Yet, households simply may not know they qualify and must apply for the support.

Money Wellness has managed to help people discover an extra £3,000 annually on average for customers. There are various online resources that can help identify what you might be eligible for.

A number of crisis support schemes are also available through local councils. These may include the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which can offer cash payments, vouchers for prepayment meters or assistance with fuel bills. Provision may vary depending on your local authority.

Energy-saving measures

Small adjustments can mount up to significant savings on your energy bills. These can include switching off appliances when not in use, fitting LED bulbs, draught-proofing doors and windows, or only boiling the amount of water you need.

Some energy providers even offer free energy-saving measures, such as electric blankets, smart sockets and insulation, to support vulnerable or low-income households. Contact your supplier to find out what assistance they can provide.

Check your budget

Debt specialists have urged households to examine their income and outgoings to identify any non-essential spending that could be cut back, freeing up funds for essential costs.