Martin Lewis' 15 things everyone needs to know after Liz Truss' energy freeze announcement
08.09.2022 - 15:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Martin Lewis has provided the public with 15 need-to-know points about Liz Truss' new energy price guarantee.
Lewis reiterated that the new cap was the limit that energy companies could charge for a unit of energy, not a cap on how high households' bills are. He advised that members of the public should multiply their current costs by 6.5% to estimate what their new bill would be under the guarantee.
He also pointed out that there has been no confirmation from the government on whether the payments made this year to those receiving benefits, with disabilities, and pensioners. The guarantee will be in place for two years, but vulnerable groups who received extra support this winter will likely still need that support in winter 2023.
READ MORE: Liz Truss announces £2,500 energy price freeze in new emergency measures - full details
Martin Lewis said: "VAT is not being reduced in this announcement, but there is a chance (50 - 50 I'd say) that may happen in the Chancellor's fiscal statement next week.
"Those on fixes, can either stay on them, or can leave and switch to the new state subsidised tariffs with no exit penalties.
"This has not been said in parliament, but I've been told this directly by the Secretary of State for Business as its what I was arguing for."
1. The new price guarantee starts 1 Oct, and for someone on typical use will be £2,500/yr and it will last for two years.
2 The current price cap is £1.971/yr rate at typical use, and was due to rise to £3,549 (and likely £5,400 in January). It was £1,277 last winter.
3. This will be a cap in standing charges & unit rates, so use less you pay less, use more you pay more (I'll publish the rates when I have them). There is not a total cap on what you pay, they