British Gas Quote quadruple what I am currently paying

Robin9

@LOcalJen    We are also a couple in our 70's 

It's time to tighten our belts for all of us.   We've already cut our Electric by a 1/4 by keeping on top of thee usual things -  those lights, the use of the .   The heating will run at a lower temp  one of Frugal's wee spreadsheets. Record those meters and give BG the readings at least monthly.

NeverendingDMP

Just to say hello and welcome to the forum. It's worth sending in a meter reading to make sure your  bill is up to date, then do this again before price cap changes. Have a look and see if they have an estimated annual usage for gas and electricity on your bill. Then we can help you guess your likely bill a bit better. 
Potentially yes though your bill is going to go higher.  Please check and claim any benefits you can and also if safe to do so slim down your use now. Eg lights off when not using, unplug TV etc if not in use. Pennies saved add up to pounds and it will also help it become habit for when the price does goes up.

And yes as people have hinted at depending on your circumstances a trip to a cheap cafe, church, library may save you a fortune in household energy use and might be an idea for you in weather that's a bit cold requiring central heating but still safe to travel out in so could be warm somewhere else for free.  

NeverendingDMP

The main thing is not to feel upset or anxious about it. Lots of us have done the sums and no we can't afford it. Other people have yet to see the sums and will be shocked as you are. To an extent many of us are in this together and so many people will be affected inventive ideas and plans will have to be found across the country. And the forum is always open for anyone who needs a chat

BeerSavesMoney

Hi @LocalJen

Unfortunately this is the way things are going at the moment. The best thing you can do at the moment is submit meter readings to make sure your bills are up to date! Try and submit these monthly if you can, maybe set a reminder on your phone or mark it on a calendar.

Next, I’d start to look at electric and gas usage to see what you can cut down on. Whilst it might be tough almost everyone is going through the same at the moment. 

There’s plenty of knowledgable people here so if you have any questions then please ask!