Support From Your Energy Supplier
Explore the support available directly from your energy supplier if you are struggling to pay for gas and electricity.
If you need further advice and guidance, you can find details of organisations that can help here.
Talking To Your Energy Supplier
There are rules in place which mean your energy supplier must help you if you are finding it difficult to pay your bills, so get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your options.
You can find further information here:
Get help if you can't afford your energy bills - Ofgem
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
Payment Plans
You might be able to arrange a payment plan with your energy supplier, meaning you pay what you can afford, in set amounts over an agreed period of time. This can cover your current use as well as any debts you owe.
You find further information here:
Get help if you can't afford your energy bills - Ofgem
What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Fuel Direct
If you are receiving certain benefits, you may be able to pay your energy supplier via the Fuel Direct scheme. A fixed amount can be taken directly from your benefits to cover any debts you owe, as well as your current use.
You can find out more information here:
What to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
Manage deductions from your benefits to pay debts and bills - GOV.UK
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Extra Credit For Prepayment Meters
You should be able to get small amount of emergency credit from your energy supplier, if you can't afford to top up your prepayent meter. You may also be able to receive additional support credit if you’re vulnerable, such as disabled or over state pension age.
You can find out more here:
You can't afford to top up your prepayment meter - Citizens Advice
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Hardship Funds
Many energy suppliers provide hardship grants to customers finding it difficult to pay their bills. Eligibility requirements vary and it can take several weeks to process an application, but you could get your debt written off.
You can find out more information here:
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Help with heating costs- Age UK
British Gas Energy Trust - Independent advice and support - British Gas
Priority Services Register
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to join your energy supplier's priority sevices register. This can give you access to a range of extra services, including priority support when you call and advanced notice of planned power cuts.
You can find out more information here:
Priority Services Register - Ofgem
Getting extra support from your energy supplier - Citizens Advice
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Breathing Space
If you feel you would benefit from some time to get financial advice and decide on the best solution to your debt, you may be eligible for the Breathing Space scheme. This will stop your energy supplier adding additional interest, asking for payment or taking enforcement action.
You can find further information here:
BREATHING SPACE UK - Breathing Space Scheme