WORKING FROM HOME IN UK OVER WINTER ‘WILL ADD £100 TO FUEL BILLS’

According to UK’s Energy Helpline, Covid19 is forcing the majority of the country’s citizens to work from home during the coolest months of the year which will cause a prominent increase in energy bills.

Employees working from home five days a week are expected to see an increase of 17.8% of their average winter dual fuel bills, meaning an extra £107 spent monthly on electricity services. Those working 4 days a week will face a 14.3% increase, three days a week will face a 10.1%, two days a week will face a 7.1% and a 3.6% for those working from home once a week.

However, the current UK’s Government legislation states that the extra expenses caused by working from home will be covered by the state if they are less than a third of the usual energy bill.

Peter Smith, a director at fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), stated that, although the majority of citizens will be able to cover these extra expenses with their savings on transport, other with lower incomes will struggle. “This could lead to increased affordability issues, more energy debt or even energy rationing, which can be dangerous all year round but particular during colder weather”.

Following Government’s guidance, these employees will be capable to request an extra £6 weekly to their employers to ensure covering the extra cost of energy bills. However, there is no statutory obligation for companies to agree.