Coventry Charity is appealing to reduce energy bills before winter

Over 1000 people a month seek support from Coventry Citizens Advice for energy poverty

Demand for energy poverty support in Coventry is increasing year on year, according to a local charity.

This week Ofgem cut the energy price cap by 7%, meaning the average household is expected to spend £83 on energy this month, compared to £127 in June.

However, analysts said they expect the price cap to rise in October by nearly 10 percent before falling again in January 2025.

Jon Perry, chief executive of Coventry Citizens Advice, says the cut now will be unnecessary ahead of the winter months.

He said: “For some of our customers who are at risk or in energy poverty, the price cap will be a huge benefit. We’re talking a substantial £10 a week for people who are struggling to buy essentials. Any reduction in utility costs makes a huge difference to a large number of people we see and is really welcome.

“On the other hand, we’re seeing a 7% reduction just as we’re entering the time of year when the least energy is used – with a prediction that there will be a 10% rebound as people start to need their fuel much more. So if one were to be cynical, you could say that it is not as beneficial as it could be for some of the most disadvantaged customers that we have. Actions could have been designed and programmed to be more beneficial.”

Jon continued: “You could say the cut now will be doubly pointless because it means people will be used to being able to spend more money on things like food. And then the increase in utilities in October, when people get used to having that cash, I think will be much more visible.

“Then the knock-on effect on people’s mental health is huge, on their children’s well-being, on school attendance – all the knock-on effects are hugely significant. We’re talking £10 or £20, but for people living on the edge, that’s a huge amount and makes a huge difference. So I think people will really notice it going into the winter. Since coming out of lockdown we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing debt problems and often these are aligned with energy poverty and the risk of energy poverty.”

The charity is urging those who need support to get in touch.

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