April 2025 UK Energy Price Cap Rise: How Will It Affect Disabled People and What Support Is Available?

In April, the Energy Price Cap is set to rise again, we know this will be causing stress and anxiety for our members and so we wanted to try and explain what the price cap rise may mean for you and what you can do about it.

On 25 February 2025, Ofgem announced a 6.4% increase in the UK energy price cap, effective from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2025. This rise means the annual energy cost for a typical household on a standard variable tariff will increase by approximately £111, bringing the total to £1,849.

The price cap rise is a concern for everyone in the UK, but as disabled people are already at a financial disadvantage and more likely to be living with extra costs associated with disability, there are extra levels of worry.

This change will lead to higher energy costs for many households, posing significant challenges to those already struggling with high living expenses.

Understanding the Price Cap Increase
Breakdown of the Price Cap Changes
The Impact on Disabled People
What Can Disabled People and Households Do to Cope?
Schemes and Support for Fuel Poverty
Maximise Benefit Entitlements
Contact Your Energy Supplier
Improve Energy Efficiency at Home
Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns
Conclusion

Understanding the Price Cap Increase

The energy price cap, introduced by Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, is designed to limit the amount suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity for households on standard variable tariffs. This cap is reviewed periodically and adjusted based on market conditions. The Energy Price Cap is set to rise again to 6.4% on 1 April. This follows the rise of 1% in January 2025 and 10% last October.

The new cap is expected to push average annual energy bills higher, with some households seeing an increase of around £111 per year. While this cap is intended to prevent excessive profiteering by energy companies, it does not shield consumers from rising costs altogether.

The burden will be particularly heavy on disabled people who rely on high energy consumption due to health needs, who may require equipment like ventilators, mobility aids, powerchairs and temperature control devices.

Breakdown of the Price Cap Changes

Electricity:
- Unit Rate: Increased from 24.86 pence per kWh to 27.03 pence per kWh.
- Standing Charge: Decreased from 60.97 pence daily to 53.80 pence daily.
Gas:
- Unit Rate: Increased from 6.34 pence per kWh to 6.99 pence per kWh.
- Standing Charge: Increased from 31.65 pence daily to 32.67 pence daily.

These adjustments come from the UK gov website and are based on typical household energy usage and payments made by Direct Debit.

For every £100 you pay for energy now, from April you’ll pay roughly £106.40. Yet, in reality, as the daily standing charge is dropping, some lower users (below £100 a month) will see only small rises, but those who use a lot (above £200 a month) will likely see 7% to 10% increases.
Money Saving Expert

Money Saving Expert have created a ‘What you’ll pay from 1 April’ calculator to see how the new Price Cap will affect you.

If you are struggling with your energy bills, contact your energy supplier to discuss any specific support they may offer, such as priority services for vulnerable customers, which could include extended payment plans or more tailored help. I know it may feel scary, but try to deal with it sooner rather than later.
Georgina’s Disability Money Saving Tips

The Impact on Disabled People

Disabled people often face unique challenges when it comes to managing energy costs. Many disabled people need to maintain a stable and warm home environment for health reasons. Additionally, some of us require medical equipment that consumes significant amounts of electricity, leading to consistently high energy bills. The price cap increase will exacerbate these financial pressures, pushing more disabled households into fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty describes when a household struggles to afford the energy needed to heat and power their home adequately. In the UK, a household is generally considered to be in fuel poverty if:

Low Income: The household’s income is below the poverty line after accounting for energy costs.
High Energy Costs: The home has high energy costs compared to the national average.

Fuel poverty is influenced by three main factors:

Household Income: Lower-income households are more vulnerable to fuel poverty.
Energy Prices: Rising energy costs increase the risk of fuel poverty.
Energy Efficiency of the Home: Poorly insulated homes with inefficient heating systems require more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Fuel poverty can lead to:

Health Issues: Cold homes can contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Financial Strain: High energy bills can force households to choose between heating and other essentials, such as food.
Social Impact: Cold, uncomfortable homes can lead to social isolation and reduced well-being.

The charity Scope estimates that disabled people already face extra living costs of around £1010 per month, including higher energy expenses. The additional burden of increased utility bills could lead to difficult choices between heating, eating, and meeting other essential needs. There is also the risk of severe health impacts if individuals cannot afford to keep their homes warm or run necessary medical equipment.

a white man is in a kitchen, he is looking at bills and has his hand on his head and looks stressed

What Can Disabled People and Households Do to Cope?

Though it can feel overwhelming and difficult to understand where to start, there are lots of areas of support available, from benefits to support schemes, financial help and things you can do to lower your own bills.

To cope with the increased price cap on fuel in the UK, you can explore several strategies. You may be eligible for financial support through government programs.

Additionally, they can apply for energy grants from charities such as the Energy Savings Trust or the British Gas Energy Trust.

Reducing energy usage by investing in energy-efficient appliances, improving home insulation, and using smart thermostats can help lower costs. Seeking advice from your local council or energy suppliers about available support, and considering alternative energy sources like solar power, might also provide long-term financial relief. We talk through all these options below.

Schemes and Support for Fuel Poverty

In the UK, there are several support services and programs designed to help individuals and households who are experiencing fuel poverty. These services aim to reduce the cost of energy, improve energy efficiency, and ensure you have access to affordable heating. Here are some key resources:

1. Warm Home Discount Scheme

Eligibility: Low-income households, including pensioners and those receiving benefits.
What it offers: A one-off discount on energy bills during the winter. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to £150 off their electricity bill.
How to apply: Contact your energy supplier to check eligibility and apply.

2. Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Eligibility: Low-income and vulnerable households.
What it offers: Grants for home improvements, such as insulation, new heating systems, or other energy-saving measures.
How to apply: You can apply through participating energy suppliers or contact a registered installer.

3. Winter Fuel Payment

Eligibility: People born on or before 5th October 1954 (pension age) who are living in the UK.
What it offers: A payment to help with heating costs during the winter. The amount varies depending on circumstances.
How to apply: Payments are made automatically to those who qualify, but you should check if you need to apply if you haven’t received it before.

4. Cold Weather Payment

Eligibility: Those on certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and others, depending on the weather conditions.
What it offers: A £25 payment for each seven-day period of very cold weather (usually temperatures below 0°C) between November and March.
How to apply: Payments are usually made automatically to eligible households.

5. Priority Services Register

Eligibility: Vulnerable people such as older adults, those with disabilities, or individuals with long-term health conditions.
What it offers: Free support from energy companies, including priority help in the event of a power cut, bills in accessible formats, or additional safety checks.
How to apply: Contact your energy supplier to sign up.

6. Local Authority and Charitable Support

Many local councils offer financial support and energy efficiency programs for those facing fuel poverty. This can include grants, loans, or assistance with energy bills.
Charities like National Energy Action (NEA) and Turn2us provide advice, advocacy, and in some cases, funding for people struggling with fuel poverty.

7. The Fuel Bank Foundation

Eligibility: Those who are at risk of running out of emergency credit or have no way to top up their prepayment meter.
What it offers: A one-off emergency fuel voucher to help top up gas or electricity.
How to apply: You can apply through foodbanks, local agencies, or online through the Fuel Bank Foundation.

8. Smart Meter and Energy Efficiency Advice

What it offers: Free energy efficiency advice and the installation of smart meters to help households monitor and reduce their energy use.
How to apply: Energy suppliers and local energy efficiency programs provide this service.

9. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

Eligibility: Anyone in need of advice on managing energy bills, making complaints about energy suppliers, or finding help with fuel costs.
What it offers: Free, confidential advice on a range of financial and energy-related issues, including fuel poverty.
How to apply: Visit your local Citizens Advice office or get in touch online.

10. Charities and Advocacy Groups

Organisations such as Scope, Citizens Advice, and Age UK provide support and advice on managing energy costs. They can help negotiate with suppliers, access emergency funding, and provide guidance on benefit entitlements.

Maximise Benefit Entitlements

Many disabled people may not be receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. It is worth checking eligibility for benefits such as:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Free benefit calculators, such as those provided by Turn2us or Entitledto, can help determine eligibility for additional support.

Also look through our guide to all the other areas you could be saving money if you do claim benefits here.

An older white woman is sat in a wheelchair in a living room, she is looking a energy blls and looks sad

Contact Your Energy Supplier

If you are struggling to pay your bills, it is essential to contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. Many suppliers offer support, including payment plans, energy grants, and advice on reducing usage. Vulnerable customers may also be eligible for additional help through their supplier’s charitable trusts and funds.

Consider switching to a more competitive energy tariff. Regularly compare energy tariffs using comparison websites like Uswitch or Compare the Market to ensure you’re on the best deal. Finding a cheaper energy tariff can significantly reduce your monthly energy costs, helping to alleviate fuel poverty.

If you are on a standard tariff, consider switching to a prepayment meter or a smart meter to monitor energy use more effectively. A prepayment meter ensures you only use the energy you pay for, while a smart meter can help track your usage and avoid over-consumption.

Improve Energy Efficiency at Home

Making small changes around the home can help reduce energy usage and lower bills. Improving energy efficiency in your home can help reduce energy costs.

We understand that some or all of these suggestions may not be suitable for you or your home and circumstances, but we are sharing them for anyone who may be able to make changes for themselves.

Here are some practical tips to improve energy efficiency in your home in the UK:

1. Install Energy-Efficient Insulation

What to do: Insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating costs. Make sure your home is insulated in key areas:
- Loft insulation: Ensures heat doesn’t escape through the roof.
- Wall insulation: Especially important for homes with solid walls or older properties.
- Floor insulation: Helps retain warmth and prevent heat loss through floors.
Why it helps: Insulation keeps the warmth in during winter and cool air in during summer, reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

What to do: When buying new appliances, choose ones that have high energy-efficiency ratings (look for the Energy Saving Trust label or the EU energy label). This applies to:
- Boilers and heating systems (consider a high-efficiency boiler).
- Washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges.
- Lighting – switch to LED bulbs.
Why it helps: Energy-efficient appliances consume less energy, helping reduce your overall utility bills.

3. Seal Gaps and Draughts

What to do: Seal draughts around windows, doors, and any gaps in your home (e.g., around pipes, vents, and electrical outlets).
Why it helps: Draughts can account for a significant amount of heat loss, so sealing these gaps can make your home warmer and reduce heating bills.

4. Use a Smart Thermostat

What to do: Install a smart thermostat that allows you to control your heating more efficiently, even when you’re not at home. You can schedule heating times and ensure you’re not wasting energy heating an empty house.
Why it helps: Smart thermostats can help you maintain a comfortable temperature without over-heating, saving money on your energy bills.

5. Turn Off Appliances When Not in Use

What to do: Turn off electrical appliances at the plug, especially those that use standby power, such as TVs, computers, and microwaves.
Why it helps: Unused electronics and appliances still consume energy when left on standby. Turning them off fully can save money over time.

6. Consider Solar Panels

What to do: Install solar panels on your roof if possible. The UK government offers incentives for renewable energy solutions.
Why it helps: Solar panels generate free electricity from the sun, which can lower your energy bills in the long run. You can also take advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to sell any excess energy back to the grid.

7. Use Curtains and Blinds to Retain Heat

What to do: Close curtains and blinds at night to keep heat inside your home. Consider thermal curtains for extra insulation.
Why it helps: Curtains and blinds act as an extra layer of insulation, preventing heat loss through windows.

8. Maintain Your Heating System

What to do: Regularly service your heating system, including your boiler, to ensure it’s running efficiently. Also, check that your radiators are not blocked by furniture and are fully bled (free of air).
Why it helps: A well-maintained heating system works more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat your home.

9. Use Energy Efficient Heating Methods

What to do: If you use electric heaters, consider upgrading to energy-efficient electric radiators or storage heaters, which release heat more effectively. Alternatively, consider using central heating systems with thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control room temperatures.
Why it helps: Energy-efficient heating methods reduce the amount of energy required to maintain warmth in your home.

10. Take Advantage of Energy Efficiency Grants

What to do: Look into government programs and grants, like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which provides free or subsidized insulation and heating improvements for low-income households.
Why it helps: These programs can significantly reduce the upfront cost of energy-saving measures, making your home more efficient without the financial strain.

Some local councils and charities offer grants or funding for home improvements to improve energy efficiency, which can be especially valuable for disabled people.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns

The stress of managing rising bills can also take a toll on mental health. Disabled people are already more likely to experience mental health issues, and financial strain can exacerbate anxiety and depression.

For those living with disabilities, maintaining a stable and supportive home environment is not merely a matter of comfort but of necessity, often contributing directly to their health and well-being.

Fuel poverty can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of disabled people in the UK. Disabled people are often more vulnerable to the negative effects of living in cold or inadequately heated homes due to their specific health needs, reduced mobility, or the necessity to spend more time at home. Here are some of the key concerns:

1. Increased Stress and Anxiety

The struggle to afford heating and energy bills can lead to financial stress, which is a known contributor to anxiety and depression.
Disabled people may experience heightened anxiety about the risk of debt, disconnection of services, or the ability to meet other basic needs.

2. Impact on Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing

Many disabled people have specific health conditions that require them to stay warm, such as those with respiratory issues, reduced mobility, or chronic illnesses. Living in a cold home can exacerbate these conditions, leading to a negative cycle where poor physical health affects mental health.
Cold homes can contribute to feelings of discomfort and distress, which can worsen conditions like chronic pain or fatigue.

3. Social Isolation

Disabled individuals may already experience social isolation, and the inability to afford adequate heating can make inviting guests over difficult. This can lead to increased loneliness and depression.
Fear of high energy bills may also deter people from leaving their homes, leading to reduced social interactions and support.

4. Reduced Quality of Life

Many disabled people rely on powered medical equipment or increased energy use due to spending more time at home. If they cut back on energy use to save money, this can reduce their overall quality of life.
Decisions such as turning off heating, limiting lighting, or avoiding the use of necessary medical devices can create a daily struggle that negatively impacts mental wellbeing.

5. Strain on Caregivers and Support Networks

Caregivers of disabled people may also experience increased stress if they are unable to provide a warm and safe environment. This can affect their mental health and their ability to offer support.

6. Emotional Impact of Financial Hardship

Many disabled people have fixed or limited incomes. The rising cost of living and energy bills can lead to a feeling of loss of control, helplessness, and in some cases, hopelessness.

If you are struggling with your mental health, low mood or worried about your emotional well-being, you are not alone. There is support out there, reach out to someone you trust and try to open up. You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer you.

The Every Mind Matters website offers expert advice to help improve your wellbeing, as well as practical tips on coping with money worries and self-care. There are some self care sites, such as Mind: Looking after your mental health online and Every Mind Matters: Self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. You can also speak to the Samaritans on 116 123.

When we feel isolated and alone, it can all feel a bit much. Consider joining Purpl and joining our private members facebook group where you can meet more people like you. It’s friendly, caring and fun and our members look out for one another!
Georgina’s Disability Tip

Conclusion

The upcoming price cap increase in April 2025 will undoubtedly put additional financial pressure on us all, particularly the disabled community who often face higher energy costs due to health needs. While there are practical steps we can take to manage rising bills, long-term solutions require government action to support positive change.

Find out more about benefits and other areas of financial support that you may be entitled to on Purpl Life today.

About the Author

Georgina, founder of Purpl, smiling in a pink patterned dress against a pastel background. Beside her, a message highlights her commitment to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts while advocating for accessibility, financial support, and independence. | Purpl disabled discounts, accessibility savings UK.

Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.

As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.

Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.

She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person, Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.

Follow @Purpldiscounts on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.

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