Caitríona Redmond: How to save over €48 per month on essential bills

Make sure you benefit from all you are entitled to.

Many energy companies are increasing their prices.

I can’t be the only one whose heart sank in the past few weeks when I realised that many energy companies are increasing their prices.

The slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures, combined with wind and damp has made our homes chillier for this time of year. Meaning that some householders will have prematurely turned the dial on the thermostat from ‘off’ to ‘on’ to help combat the cold.

In Ireland, most utility customers pay their bills in arrears. Depending on billing dates, the cost of turning the heating back on today may not turn up on an invoice until the middle of November.

What I call the “Oh My God” bills arrive from mid-December to early January. These occur when the heating has been turned back on for two full months and show a sizeable increase from the summer and autumn bills. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many but this whopper invoice will make many a customer grimace in pain.

If you’re not entitled to any State supports, now is the time to try and insulate yourself from the “holy moley” utility bill. All energy suppliers are obliged to offer their customers a method of paying into their accounts online. Some people still opt to do this via the local post office or credit union, but if you don’t have the time to traipse to the shops, an online payment it is.

I use my debit card to funnel money off a portion of my utility bills online. Once I keep my accounts topped up and in credit, I’m never hit with a major bill at an inconvenient time. Providing the account is in credit, the direct debit is not initiated so I don’t worry about a payment leaving me in the red and short of cash.

Despite doing your best, there’s still a chance you could fall into arrears. It’s difficult this year I know, particularly with the disproportionately high cost of food at the moment. Many energy suppliers are committed to the Energy Engage Code have made a commitment to help customers who are concerned about paying their bills — both electricity and gas.

The code tells customers how the businesses concerned can help if you have fallen behind in paying your energy bills, or if you are concerned you may fall behind. That’s a crucial point, because you can contact your supplier and ask for help, even if you are not already falling short.

If you do fall into arrears, all energy companies are required by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to agree a payment plan with you.

They also have guidelines around disconnection, particularly in Winter, set out by the CRU. All you need to do is pick up the phone and ring your provider, then ask for help.

There’s a handy Department of Social Protection payment that many Irish citizens are automatically entitled to and it is designed to reduce your energy bill by €35 per month, and you can also get a free television licence.

The TV licence fee paid monthly is €13.33. Overall, that’s a household saving of just over €48 per month that’s not to be sniffed at.

The Household Benefits Package is paid to people who live in Ireland all year around, and is awarded to one person, aged 70 or over, per household.

As of today, the Household Benefits Package will be paid directly into the bank account of all new applicants. If you’re an existing recipient, it’ll continue to be a monthly credit on your utility bill unless you change your supplier.

The catch to this good news is that anybody entitled to the payment won’t automatically receive the Household Benefits Package. The package must be applied for by submitting an online request via MyWelfare.ie or filling out an application form and returning it to the relevant section in Sligo.

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It’s an excellent example of the administrative burden placed on those who are already requiring state supports. It’s very unfair that those who clearly qualify and need the assistance don’t receive it automatically. Particularly where someone is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance and living with the person they are caring for, or when somebody turns 70 years of age.

In my house, we’ve recently been dealing with a lot of these forms. I’m well able to hold my own when it comes to filling out boxes on paper and writing letters.

Let me tell you, if I’m struggling to climb the mountain of paperwork and forms, then it’s small wonder that not every eligible person applies for, or receives, items like the Household Benefits Package.

If paperwork is your Everest, for whatever reason, you can also drop into your local Social Protection Office but be prepared for a wait.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) may also be able to help you fill out the forms, depending on how busy they are.

Overall, please don’t stick your head in the sand when it comes to paying your energy bills.

Tackle what you can now, and you will breathe easier.

Build up to the big shop

As the Christmas chocolates and treats start to filter onto the supermarket shopping shelves you may be tempted to buy what you need early.

Normally I advise people to buy their seasonal treats little-by-little to prevent a big shopping bill closer to December.

However, the price of all these specialist items is on the high side at the moment and I’m confident they will reduce in price closer to the big day. For now, I recommend using a savings pocket or supermarket savings stamps to set aside a small amount of money on a weekly basis to pay for the Christmas big shop. Hopefully you’ll be able to benefit from special offers and discounts and get more bang for your euro.