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However, it's important to note that despite these reductions, energy bills remain significantly higher than the pre-pandemic norm. Charities and suppliers have warned that many individuals with already strained finances may still struggle to meet their energy expenses.

The actual amount paid by households will vary based on their gas and electricity usage. It's crucial for consumers to be aware of their individual energy consumption to better understand their billing amounts.

On Friday, Chris O'Shea, the chief executive of Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, expressed that the "first act" of the energy crisis may be over but emphasized that risks persist. Energy UK, an organization representing suppliers, has hired hundreds of additional staff members to ensure that support is readily available to customers.

With the government's support scheme no longer in effect, which previously limited bills to £2,500, there are no plans for the £400 discount that was funded last winter. However, individuals with low incomes and certain benefits will continue to receive cost-of-living payments.

Now, let's delve into how the price cap is set. Over the past 18 months, wholesale energy prices have remained high, resulting in increased costs for customers. To safeguard consumers, the energy regulator, Ofgem, sets a maximum price that suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity. This cap applies to households on variable or default tariffs in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Under the newly implemented cap, which will remain in effect for the next three months, the electricity unit rate is set at 30p per kWh, accompanied by a standing charge of 53p per day. As for gas, the unit rate is 8p per kWh, while the standing charge is 29p per day.

The calculations for a typical household are based on a direct debit customer using 12,000 kWh of gas and 2,900 kWh of electricity annually. It's worth noting that a kilowatt hour (kWh) is the unit of energy used to calculate your bill.

It's important to manage expectations, as not all customers will experience an immediate change to their direct debit amounts. Energy UK reassures consumers that suppliers are obligated to ensure direct debit payments are based on accurate and up-to-date information. Suppliers operate on different cycles for assessing customer payments, so some customers may have already been assessed. Those whose direct debit amounts are updated by their supplier will be contacted directly.

To ensure accurate billing calculations, customers are encouraged to submit regular meter readings.

Approximately 29 million households are affected by the cap change, but there are variations in typical payments. Here's a breakdown:

- Customers using prepayment meters will now pay a similar level to those on direct debits, with the annual bill amount averaging £2,077.

- Those who make payments via cash, cheque, or bank transfer, usually every three months, will face higher costs, resulting in a typical annual bill of £2,211.

In Northern Ireland, where separate regulations apply, energy bills are generally lower.

It's important to highlight that some individuals who were eligible for government vouchers as part of the support package have missed out. The deadline for claiming these vouchers has passed, resulting in unclaimed funds. Charities stress the need for government assistance to ensure vulnerable households receive the necessary support to avoid accruing unmanageable debts or living in unheated homes, which can lead to health issues and unnecessary hardship.

While the reduction in energy bills is undoubtedly positive news, it is crucial to recognize that millions of households in the UK continue to face fuel poverty. The National Energy Action, a charity dedicated to advocating for warm and dry homes, estimates that 6.6 million households are still affected. They argue that urgent government intervention is necessary to address this pressing issue.

An Ofgem spokesperson acknowledged the challenging and volatile period for energy consumers, noting that bills remain higher than pre-crisis levels. However, the spokesperson emphasized the positive aspect of the recent decrease in bills.

As we wrap up, here are a few energy-saving tips from environmental scientist Angela Terry, founder of One Home, a social enterprise dedicated to sharing green and money-saving advice:

1. Obtain a water-efficient showerhead from your water company and opt for showers over baths.

2. Consider loft insulation, which can save around £355 per year on gas bills for a typical semi-detached home, at an approximate cost of £460.

3. Utilize outdoor drying racks instead of relying on tumble dryers. Whenever possible, choose walking over driving for shorter journeys.

4. Use windy days to identify draughts in your home. Wetting the back of your hand can help you locate them, and then utilize insulation or draught-proofing tape to address the issue.

5. If available, use the smaller flush button on your toilet to conserve water.

Remember, small changes in energy consumption can make a significant impact on both the environment and your bills.