Updated: 17 June 2026
The last few years energy prices have been increasing, leaving most of us worrying about how we are going to pay our utility bills, and top up pre-payment meters.
We want to reassure you that we are here to provide you with the information and support to help you manage your rent payments, as well as letting you know what other support is available and tips to help you rethink energy, to save money, and only use what you actually need.
The energy price cap is the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy and standing charge if you're on a standard variable tariff.
The price cap is a limit on a unit of gas and electricity – it’s not a cap on your overall energy bills, which will still rise or fall in line with your energy use.
The price cap limits the rates a supplier can charge for their default tariffs. These include the standing charge and price for each kWh of electricity and gas (the units your bill is calculated from).
Prices will then be controlled by the return of the energy price cap, which is set every three months by Ofgem, the energy industry regulator.
It confirms the maximum price suppliers can charge households per unit of energy on a standard - or default - tariff in normal circumstances.
Keep updated on the energy price cap on the ofgem website
The amount you pay depends on how much energy you use.
You will still pay for the gas and electricity you use. But the government's energy price gap will limit the price suppliers can charge per unit of energy.
The amount you pay may also be affected by your method of payment, e.g., Direct Debit, prepayment meter, or cheque.
The price cap is actually per unit of energy, so while these figures are for an average house, you may use far more or less than that, and your bill will vary accordingly.
For anyone with above-average energy use – for example, large families or older people in larger homes – their annual bill could be much higher.
If you don’t have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food from the government or your local authority.
You can find out what support is available from the government at gov.uk/cost-of-living
Find what support your local authority can offer you at gov.uk/find-local-council
There are an estimated 1 million pensioner households not claiming Pension Credit – don’t be one of them.
For a pensioner to qualify for this payment, they must have been entitled to a payment of Pension Credit. People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked about backdating, and if they make their application over the phone the adviser will talk them through this.
You can check their eligibility for Pension Credit using the online calculator or call 0800 99 1234.
Find out more about Pension Credit
MaPs has guidance to help people manage changes to the cost of living. The new guidance on its MoneyHelper website helps people manage their money in uncertain times. It contains information info people who:
For people who are already missing payments on their bills or credit commitments, then free debt advice services are available via MaPS’ advice locator tool.
MoneyHelper's free Bill and Payment Prioritiser tool can help you know what payments to deal with first and how to take action to keep up with payments.
Most of the time switching to a new energy tariff is a quick and easy way to reduce your bills, but not at the moment. If you are worried about your bills, contact the Energy Team at Torus Foundation for specialist advice. Call 0300 123 5809 or email info@torusfoundation.org.uk.
Your energy supplier may run schemes to help you to heat your home.
Ask your supplier what's on offer and how to apply, or check here:
Ofgem, the regulatory authority for gas and electric have published the following general advice for those who may struggle to pay their household energy bills.
If you are struggling to pay your water bill, United Utilities has a Pay-As-U-Go service to give you more flexibility in paying your water bill.
Find out more on the United Utilites website or call them on 0800 072 6765.
If you are experiencing financial pressures, please get in touch as soon as possible, as it's better to let us know now, so our dedicate teams can do our best to help.
We can help you with:
Struggling to pay your rent please contact our Income Team.
If you are struggling to manage your Torus tenancy our Tenancy Sustainment Team can help, find out more about the support they can offer here.
If you need help to improve your financial situation, then contact the Torus Foundation Financial Inclusion Team, who will directly help or signpost to organisations that can provide support. They can also help you assess what grants you may be eligible for and support you with your application.
There are many ways Torus Foundation can help you. Perhaps you’re looking for a job with better pay to manage your bills, become more confident with technology as more services move online, want to make the most of local food pantries, or need support and guidance towards preparing for energy costs. They can also help you assess what grants you may be eligible for and support you with your application. Find out more about what the Torus Foundation can offer here.
If you're worried about falling behind on bills. there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
Energy Saving Trust – make your home more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills.
Affordable Home Obligation – gov.uk: Help from your energy supplier: The Affordable Warmth Obligation
Citizens Advice - grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
Money Saving Expert - Martin Lewis' site offers free and impartial advice to help you save money on credit cards, loans, energy and more.
Which? - Expert guides to help you make your money stretch further. Learn how to budget efficiently, get better deals, and find smart ways to make and save money.
Money Helper (was The Money Advice Service) - Loads of helpful tips and advice including budget planners and saving money.