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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
12 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
March 10, 2025
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
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.
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
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:
Fuel poverty is influenced by three main factors:
Fuel poverty can lead to:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Many disabled people may not be receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. It is worth checking eligibility for benefits such as:
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.
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.
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:
Some local councils and charities offer grants or funding for home improvements to improve energy efficiency, which can be especially valuable for disabled people.
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:
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
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.
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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