Support From Energy Suppliers
Explore the support available directly from energy suppliers, if those you support are struggling to pay for gas and electricity.
Talking to Energy Suppliers
There are rules in place which mean energy suppliers must help households if they are finding it difficult to pay their bills, so do encourage those you support to get in touch with their energy supplier as soon as possible to discuss their 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
Energy suppliers can work with households to set up payment plans, meaning they pay what they can afford, in set amounts over an agreed period of time. This can cover current use as well as any debts owed.
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 households are receiving certain benefits, they may be able to pay their energy supplier via the Fuel Direct scheme. A fixed amount will be taken directly from benefit payments to cover debts owed, as well as 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
Most energy suppliers provide small amounts of emergency credit if households cannot afford to top up their prepayment meter. Households may be able to receive additional support credit if they are 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 households could get their 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
Priority Services Register
Vulnerable households, who find it difficult dealing with their energy supplier, might be able to join their energy supplier's Priority Services Register. This can give access to a range of extra services, including priority support when they 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 households feel they would benefit from time to get financial advice and decide on the best solution to their debt, they may be eligible for breathing space. This will stop energy suppliers adding additional interest, asking for payment or taking enforcement action.
You can find further information here:
BREATHING SPACE UK - Breathing Space Scheme