‘How much more can people cut back?’: Leeds locals react to latest energy price rise
Our readers shared their views
Energy bills are set to rise to their highest level in three years this October – and Yorkshire Evening Post readers have been sharing how they will cope with the latest increase.
The energy price cap will rise by 4%, meaning bills will rise by £60 per year for the average household.
We asked readers whether the rise would force them to cut back further, and many said they were already making difficult choices to keep their energy bills down.
For some, that means turning the heating down or leaving it off altogether, while others say they are cutting back on using the oven and other electrical appliances.
Sweet Memories Morley summed up the frustration, writing: “How much more can people cut back! Some are getting food from food banks.”
Sarah Tench said people were already making sacrifices to keep their bills down.
“Cut back what? Many of us sit freezing in winter too afraid to put the heating on, opt out of a Sunday roast because it needs the oven on for hours, don't bake like we used to, to try and keep bills down,” she said.
“Just what else can we cut back on?”
Joanne Dewhirst said she was already struggling with the cold during winter.
“Can’t cut back any more. I freeze most of winter. I try not to use electrics. It’s warmer outside in winter than in my house,” she said.
Mark Newman said he planned to avoid using his heating altogether.
“Just will not have the heating on over winter. Going to buy extra warm clothes,” he said.
Others described the impact of previous price rises, with Christopher Hudson saying he had “cut back to the bone ages ago”.
James Hawkesworth said: “Cut back! Won’t be able to switch it on. Blankets and winter coats will be worn.”
Arron Boyd said there was a limit to how far households could go without risking damage to their homes.
“If I cut back much more, I will simply just not use heating, then I’m at risk of mould and destroying my home through the colder months,” he said.
Some readers suggested smaller changes to reduce their energy use.
Cliff Rycroft joked: “From one cup of tea a day to one every two days.”
Mark Richardson simply said: “No more toast.”
Ged Woods offered another tongue-in-cheek suggestion: “As Boris said – buy a new kettle.”
Not everyone said the October increase would affect them directly.
David Graham said: “No, because I’m on a fixed rate.”
David Speight also questioned the scale of the increase, writing: “If your bill is £150 your increase will be £6. Less than a pint of beer.”
But for many readers, the latest rise is less about the exact amount and more about the cumulative pressure of rising household costs.
Paul Goldthorpe said families would have little choice but to cut back, warning that this could lead to debt.
“A lot of families, yes, as they cannot spend what they haven't got. But they will to keep kids fed and warm and so starts the cycle of debt,” he said.
Other comments focused on the wider energy market and the reasons behind rising bills, with readers questioning why energy costs remain so high.
Ras-Levi Bassett-Williamson wrote: “At least the energy companies are making billions in profits.”
Heather Royce said the latest increase had left her furious, while others blamed successive governments and energy policy.
The comments show just how differently households are preparing for another rise – but one message comes through repeatedly: many people feel they have already made most of the cuts they can.