Energy bill crisis must knows – from council tax rebate to pre-payment loophole

dailystar.co.uk:

Martin Lewis' website moneysavingexpert.com has shared some urgent energy bill crisis need-to-knows.Have a read below and make sure you're as prepared as possible for the hikes.The money-saving website explains that if you prepay for your energy, you can top up now to beat April's price hike.It reads: "Many with older, non-smart meters on price-capped tariffs can legally 'stockpile' gas & electricity credit before prices shoot up."If you can afford to, it could mean big savings."For full info on company-by-company info in prepay loopholes, check out the MSE blogpost on it here.You can set up a direct debit now to get a £150 council tax rebate automatically paid into your bank.20 million English band A to D households will get a £150 council tax rebate in April (similar schemes are also being set up in Scotland & Wales).The website reads: "Those who pay council tax by direct debit will get it automatically paid into their bank accounts."There's still time to set one up (although we can't give a specific deadline as it differs by council)."Those who don't set up a direct debit will be contacted by the council, who will send you more information about how to claim the rebate.You can find more info on the rebate here.The MSE website warns not to rely on estimated use, unless you've a smart meter that does it for you.It reads: " Make sure your meter readings are up to date when the price cap changes on 1 April."This is to ensure you're not paying for more than you need to at the higher rate (as otherwise the firm will try to calculate what was used before and after)."Martin Lewis has also hit headlines the week as he warned university costs are set to soar due to set of changes that are being made by the government to the.