Energy Bills Are Going Up Again – Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Get Help)

Energy prices are set to rise again in April 2026 – and if you’re disabled or living in a disabled household, you’re probably already feeling the squeeze. At Purpl, we know how hard it’s getting to keep on top of bills, especially with everything going up.

So what’s behind this latest rise, and what can you actually do about it? Most importantly – what support’s out there, including the brilliant new Scope Disability Energy Support Service?

Here’s the full breakdown.

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Why Are Bills Increasing?

From April 2026, the average annual energy bill will go up by around £24. It doesn’t sound like loads, but for many disabled people already juggling rising food and transport costs, it’s another kick in the gut.

This change is down to network charges – the fees energy suppliers pay to maintain power lines, gas pipes and other infrastructure. Ofgem’s signed off a massive £24 billion upgrade to the UK’s ageing energy system. It includes over 2,700 miles of power lines, all aiming to:

• Get us closer to net zero
• Move away from expensive imported gas
• Future-proof the energy grid

Good for the long-term. Less good for right now, especially for people already struggling.

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How Can You Cut Costs?

We’ve pulled together the best tips to help disabled households reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort.

Simple Energy-Saving Habits

• Turn the thermostat down a degree – 18–21°C is the sweet spot. Most people don’t notice the drop.
• Close off unused rooms – shut the door and turn the radiator down.
• Use heating timers so it’s only on when you’re actually home and awake.
• Draught-proof your space – letterboxes, windows, doors, floorboards. Foam strips and sausage draught excluders are cheap and effective.
• Lower boiler flow temp to 55–60°C if you’ve got a combi boiler.
  

Change How You Use Appliances

• Switch things off at the wall – lots of tech uses power on standby.
• Wash at 30°C, full loads only.
• Only boil what you need in the kettle.
• Run dishwashers/washing machines full. Not half-empty.
  

Check Your Tariff – and Get a Smart Meter

• Use Ofgem-accredited sites to compare tariffs. Fixed rates may finally be worth a look again.
• Smart meters track what you’re using – really helpful for spotting where the bulk of your money’s going.
• Some suppliers offer off-peak tariffs if you can shift your usage (like doing washing at night).
  

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Support Available – Including from Scope

If you’re struggling, there is help out there. Here’s what to check first:

• Warm Home Discount – £150 off your bill (check eligibility)
  
• Winter Fuel Payment – for people over State Pension age
  
• Cold Weather Payments – when the weather’s freezing
  
• Household Support Fund – ask your local council about emergency help
  
• Energy supplier grants – many have support schemes, but you’ll need to contact them directly
  
• Free advice – from Citizens Advice, MoneyHelper, or your local disability org
  

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Scope Disability Energy Support – Free Help If You’re Disabled

One of the most useful services out there right now is the Scope Disability Energy Support Service. It launched in October 2024 and offers free, tailored help to disabled people across the UK.

Scope – the disability equality charity – teamed up with Cadent (a major gas distributor) to help around 225,000 disabled people take control of their energy bills.

What They Offer:

• One-to-one advice sessions (remote or in-person)
  
• Help with energy or water debt
  
• Support with switching meters
  
• Efficiency tips tailored to your home
  
• Help accessing benefits and grants
  
• Support with complaints to suppliers
  
• Advice on carbon monoxide safety
  
• Guidance on joining the Priority Services Register
  
• Help with maximising income
  

Whether you’re on PIP, DLA, or supporting someone who is, you’re likely eligible. They support households across the UK, even if you don’t live in one of their focus cities.

To access the service, just head to scope.org.uk, call them, or find out if there’s a local event near you.

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Energy-Saving Discounts from Purpl

Don’t forget – we’ve got loads of offers on things that can help cut your energy bills, from air fryers, white goods, tech, edf energy, and more.

We also feature discounts on services like:

• Emergency cover plans for boiler, heating, plumbing, electrics and more
• £50 energy credit when you switch to the UK’s most awarded energy supplier, Octopus Energy
• 15% off Boiler Cover plus a free annual boiler service
• Save money on household bills with Utility Warehouse
• 5% off energy saving blinds at Blinds-2go

Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

Other articles you might like:
April 2025 UK Energy Price Cap Rise: How Will it Affect Disabled People and What Support is Available?
New Initiative to Tackle Fuel Poverty and Digital Exclusion in the Disabled Community