As we tend to use more energy over Christmas, many are set to face much higher bills than they are used to. However, some energy suppliers are slashing costs to help customers out this year
A handful of energy firms will be cutting the price of electricity to zero over the festive season this Christmas.
Energy bills this Christmas have once again become more expensive with Ofgem’s price cap rising by £149 to £1,717 from £1,568 on October 1. The rise would add an extra £12 a month onto the monthly energy bill for the average dual fuel household paying by direct debit.
But despite what its name suggests, there isn’t actually a total cap on what you can pay for energy. Your bill is still based on how much gas and electricity you use, as the Ofgem price cap limits what you pay for each unit of gas and electricity you use. So, if you use more, you will have to pay more.
As we tend to use more energy over Christmas, many are set to face much higher bills than they are used to. However, some energy suppliers are slashing costs to help customers out this year. Three energy firms – British Gas, EDF and E.ON Next – have all announced this support and below we detail exactly what it will entail.
E.ON Next
E.ON Next will provide free electricity to eligible customers over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Standing charges – which are the mandated fixed daily charge to be connected to the energy grid – will also be waived during this three-day period.
To qualify, customers must be on the Next Reward Days 12-month Fixed Tariff, and have a smart meter. You must have also signed up for the scheme before December 3 – a deadline which has now passed.
EDF Energy
EDF customers participating in the Sunday Saver Challenge will receive eight hours of free electricity on Christmas Day. Normally, the scheme offers free electricity on Sundays to shift energy usage to off-peak times during the week. However, on Christmas Day, the free hours are available regardless of energy use patterns. Customers must have signed up by December 1 – another deadline which has now passed – and have a smart meter.
If you still wish to get free electricity hours on Sundays, you’ll still need to reduce your usage during “peak hours”, which tend to be between 4pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday. You can find out more by searching for “Sunday Savers” on the EDF website.
British Gas
British Gas is offering discounted electricity between 11am and 4pm on Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year through its PeakSave scheme. The offer is open to all new and existing customers on any tariff. However, you will need to have a smart meter to take part. Any money you save across the two-day window will be added to your account as a credit. The deadline to sign up for the discounts, however, is December 15, and you can sign up through the British Gas website here.
