UK households are bracing for another rise in energy costs next week, with Ofgem confirming a 2% increase in the energy price cap from 1 October 2025. For the average household, this means an additional £2.93 a month on bills – but for many disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, the impact will be much greater.
Living with a disability often means higher energy use. Medical equipment such as oxygen machines, stairlifts or feeding pumps must run continuously, while limited mobility can make staying warm more important. These essential needs push bills far above the national average, leaving many disabled households under severe financial strain.
To help address this, disability equality charity Scope is urging disabled people and families to take advantage of its free Disability Energy Support service.
Scope’s Disability Energy Support Service
Scope’s programme, launched in 2020, has already supported more than 35,000 households across England, Scotland and Wales, helping families save an estimated £6.6 million. The service offers free consultations with energy specialists either over the phone or by email, each lasting up to 45 minutes.
During the consultation, advisers provide personalised guidance on managing energy bills, tackling debt, and accessing financial support such as discounts and grants. A bespoke action plan is then created, setting out practical steps to reduce costs and improve household budgeting.
The service is inclusive, with video calls available for British Sign Language users and interpreters for those more comfortable in other languages. Scope stresses that the support is open to any disabled person or household with at least one disabled resident.
“Life costs a lot more when you’re disabled,” said Alex Hazell, head of services at Scope. “We know many people are facing huge energy bills and racking up debt, but don’t know where to turn. Our expert advisers will talk through your situation and provide personalised support with whatever you are facing.”
Why Disabled Households Face Higher Energy Costs
Disabled people often face unavoidable extra costs:
- Medical equipment – Items such as oxygen concentrators or feeding pumps need constant power.
- Heating – Reduced mobility or health conditions mean higher reliance on consistent warmth.
- Extra laundry and cooking needs – For medical reasons, some disabled households run appliances more often.
According to recent government data, disabled households typically spend a higher percentage of their income on energy than the national average. With prices set to remain high into winter 2025, these additional costs will continue to put pressure on household budgets.
Other Free Sources of Advice and Support
Scope is not the only organisation offering assistance. Citizens Advice continues to provide free, confidential guidance on benefits, debt and consumer issues both online and by phone.
Energy suppliers also operate Priority Services Registers, giving extra support to vulnerable customers, including help with meter readings and priority reconnection in the event of a power cut.
Government schemes such as the Warm Home Discount and the Great British Insulation Scheme are also in place to support low-income and vulnerable households, though eligibility criteria vary.
Why Comparing Tariffs Still Matters
Even with charity and government support, one of the most effective ways to reduce costs is to review your energy tariff. Prices differ widely across suppliers, with variations in standing charges and unit rates making a substantial difference to monthly bills.
For households that rely heavily on both gas and electricity, running a dual fuel energy comparison can reveal cheaper bundled tariffs.
Online tools such as Free Price Compare allow households to compare energy prices quickly and easily. By switching to a more suitable tariff, disabled households can avoid being trapped on costly standard variable rates and instead spread the benefit of both financial support and lower unit costs.
Taking Action Before Winter
With colder months approaching and the latest cap increase taking effect, households are being encouraged to act now. The combination of free support services and proactive tariff switching could make the difference between manageable bills and mounting debt.
Scope’s advisers emphasise that nobody should feel alone in dealing with rising costs. By combining expert advice with the ability to compare energy prices, disabled people and their families can take steps to protect themselves against another challenging winter.
