Martin Lewis urges everyone to do vital check before energy bills rise again this winter

MARTIN Lewis is urging households to do a vital check before the winter.

The founder of MoneySavingExpert told viewers in a Facebook live Q&A that they need to start budgeting now.

Dan Jones - The Sun

Martin Lewis urged consumers to act now to soften the blow of the October price hike.[/caption]

Doing so will help soften the blow of the October rise to the energy price cap.

Martin said: “If your direct debit goes up in advance, it’s actually not the worst thing because it will help spread the cost even though you might not like it.

“It’s going to be horrendous and I hope that when a new Prime Minister comes in place, the current sort of freeze on policy making ends on that day, on September 5.”

The consumer champion said forward planning is key and it’s important to acknowledge the hit to our pockets now.

He said: “What’s likely to happen if you’re on the price cap, if you’re paying £100 a month now, it’ll be £165 in October.

“If you’re paying £200 a month now, it’ll be £330 in October on average. That’s the scale”

While you can’t actively save money by switching energy provider you can always reduce your costs by using less energy now.

If you use more you’ll pay more – so while the nights are light and the temperatures high – keep you electricity and gas usage to a minimum.

Are other households bills as low as they can be?

At the end of Martin’s Q&A, the consumer journalist told his viewers to ask themselves if their other bills are too expensive.

Savings can always be made here to help cut your outgoings in the long-run.

Whether it’s haggling for a better broadband deal or switching your mobile network provider, you could save £100’s a month by ditching the optional extras and downsizing your package.

You may even be able to save up to £200 without even having to haggle with your broadband provider.

From your car insurance and home insurance, to your pet insurance, there’s always savings to be made – and remember never auto-renew you’ll miss out on the best savings.

Can I get energy bill help from my supplier?

Energy suppliers are also offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bill rises.

For instance British Gas is giving out up to £750 through its hardship fund.

But the amount can vary according to your supplier and your circumstances.

Ask your supplier what’s on offer and how to apply, or check here:

• Bulb energy fund
• EDF’s energy customer support fund
• E.on’s energy fund
• Npower’s energy fund
• Ovo’s debt and energy assistance
• Scottish Power’s hardship fund

Cost of living payments: what you need to know

• All the key dates for cost of living payments revealed
• Every household will get a £400 cost of living payment to help with energy bills
• See the full list of benefits eligible for £650 cost of living cash
• Here’s free cash you can get if you DON’T qualify for the £650 cost of living payment
• Millions of pensioners will get a £300 cost of living payment this winter
• Disabled Brits will get £150 this September
• Parents can get up to £200 towards school uniform costs