You may have heard discussion on the news about rising energy prices that are set to rise from April 2022.
As energy costs rise, we are here for you:
BBC News reported “Around 18 million households on standard tariffs will see an average increase of £693 - from £1,277 to £1,971 per year, around 4.5 million prepayment customers will see an average increase of £708 - from £1,309 to £2,017.”
We know that this could affect lots of people living with pulmonary fibrosis, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you. As well as our usual services, like our nationwide support groups and befriender phoneline - we have put together a list of resources to help guide you through this time.
If you’re living with pulmonary fibrosis and are concerned about how this will affect you, or your loved one and would like to share your story with our community please get in touch. We know that through our community sharing their stories, it helps others feel less alone and builds a stronger, louder voice for change.
Help and resources
"What if I can't pay my bills?"
Turn2Us have lots of really helpful information on coping with rising fuel costs, factors that could lead to fuel poverty and where to access help.
"Are there any grants available?"
Citizens Advice have a list of government grants and benefits available to help you pay your energy bills if you're struggling. If you book an appointment with them directly they can answer questions about your personal situation.
"I'm getting worried about paying my bills"
MoneyHelper go in more depth about why the rises are happening, switching suppliers and what happens if your energy supplier goes out of business.
"Can the Government help ?"
Since the energy price cap was increased on April 1st 2022, the UK Government has introduced a support package. This includes:
· £200 repayable loan
· £150 council tax rebate
· Discretionary support fund
There is also further support for energy bills via the following Government schemes:
The Priority Services Register is a free support service offered by energy suppliers and network operators to help people in vulnerable situations. You can check eligibility for the Priority Services Register here, and you will need to contact your energy supplier to register.
Where else can I find support?
Additional support is available from the following charities:
- National Energy Action https://www.nea.org.uk/
National Energy Action (NEA) is the national fuel poverty charity, working to ensure that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is warm and safe at home.
Scope is a disability equality charity in England and Wales who provide practical advice and emotional support when it’s most needed and campaign to create a fairer society.
- Energy Action Scotland (EAS) https://www.eas.org.uk/en/about-eas_50444/
Energy Action Scotland is the national fuel poverty charity campaigning for an end to fuel poverty in Scotland.
You can also try contacting your local council and your electricity supplier to see if they have any hardship fund grants available which you are eligible for.
Information and advice to support those using oxygen concentrators at home with their electricity rebates
We are aware that many people who are using oxygen and other medical equipment at home have been adversely and unfairly affected by the cost-of-living rises.
There has been much concern shared with us from those of our community using oxygen at home, particularly regarding the electricity rebate process.
Four Oxygen suppliers have increased their standard rate of electricity rebate tariff from 1st April 2022. These are:
· Air Liquide
· Baywater Healthcare
· British Oxygen Company (BOC)
· Dolby Vivisol
If you are struggling to pay your electricity bills the Oxygen Providers have advised the following:
Air Liquide can arrange increased frequency of electricity rebates for customers on pre-payment meters and those in financial hardship. To arrange this, you will need to contact Air Liquide directly. London (Tel: 0808 143 9991) and South West of England (Tel: 0808 143 9999).
Baywater Healthcare advise customers to contact your local oxygen team first. Once Baywater Healthcare have been advised by the healthcare professional, customers who are eligible for more frequent rebates will need to contact Baywater directly with monthly meter readings. North West England, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands and Wales (Tel: 0800 373580).
BOC can arrange increased frequency of electricity rebates with customers directly. East of England, East Midlands and Northern Ireland (Tel: 0800 136 603).
Dolby Vivisol advise that you contact your local oxygen team, so they can arrange increased frequency of electricity rebates on your behalf. South East of England, North East of England (Tel: 0800 917 9840) and Scotland (Tel:0800 833 531).
NB: If you are struggling to pay your electricity bills, please do not limit your use of oxygen or consider switching off your oxygen machine.
Our advice:
· You can check the support and resources available listed above for help with paying your energy bills
· You can contact our Support Services Team for advice and signposting on support@actionpf.org or Tel: 01223 785725
Do you have any advice for others living with pulmonary fibrosis around rise in energy costs? Please do let us know at info@actionpf.org
We will update this page as we learn more, please know that you are not alone and support is available.
Share your story to help others
Together, we are stronger.