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Ask An Expert: ENERGY
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Archive of previous Ask An Expert questions and answers
Discussion List
Octopus Agile Prices
Will Agile prices reduce also on 1st October as they are wholesale based?
Octopus Tariffs
I received a MSE Newsletter this morning. It mentioned prices og Octopus Intelligent and Go. Are the rates current, or after this weekends rate decreases of electricity?
Claiming winter fuel payment
Your latest article about energy bills says “ If you’ve not got the winter fuel payment before, …. you'll need to claim it.” Yet the linked gov.uk website says you don’t need to claim if you receive the state pension. What do you do if you started receiving the state pension this year, so have never had the winter fuel…
EDF energy
My tarrif ended in July now I am on the Standard tarrif gone up from £90 month to £170 is there a cheaper company to move to
Deceased Estate energy service charges
I'm executor for a deceased estate, and empty apartment is costing us a fortune every month until we can get it sold. Minimal electricity being used (viewings only and fridge) yet costing £50/month in fixed charges; and no heating/water, but equally high bills for this too. Can we move to a new tariff with cheaper costs…
MPs new report recommendations
As mentioned here the other day, a new report from a committee of MPs has called for standing charges to be replaced with a 'rising block' tariff, plus other measures such as the introduction of a social tariff.What do you think the chances are of those recommendations being implemented? Is it just another report that…
How do I decide whether to go for a fixed deal or not?
I'll kick off the event with the first question, and it's a big one: how do I decide whether to fix my energy or not?
Calor Gas trying to retro charge for a previous property
Hi, I moved out of my previous home approx. 10 months ago. It had an LPG tank in the garden, so off mains, and I paid Calor gas a monthly direct debit for supply. They would monitor the meter and auto-fill it up when needed. They have contacted me to say they incorrectly charged the occupants prior to myself for two fuel…
Can energy suppliers insist you stay in credit?
victor2 said: When payment by direct debit was first introduced, you would expect your account to be in credit over the summer and debit over the winter. Now it seems suppliers want you to always be in credit. Can they enforce this?
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MSE News
Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.
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Archive of previous Ask An Expert questions and answers
130 discussions
116 comments
Most recent: Flight cancelled by airline one year ago and I have not received the refund yet by RogtheDodge1976
11 September 2023 at 3:26PM
