Due to the massive rise in gas and electricity prices in 2022, many British households must catch up on their energy bills and incur debt.

To get back on track and maintain an affordable energy supply during the crisis, it is essential to be proactive in pursuing assistance. Here are some key options to catch up on your gas and electricity payments.

What help is available?

Contact your UK energy provider if your in energy debt

Upon receiving demands for unpaid bills, the first move is to contact your utility company directly and inform them of your payment difficulties. Suppliers have devoted customer support teams to assist with debt management. They can tailor repayment plans to your financial situation to progressively clear arrears while maintaining service.

Many also offer repayment matching programmes that match the amount you can afford to pay towards your debts. This halves the monthly expenditures. Early notification of suppliers is necessary to prevent arrears from becoming unmanageable. Sincere communication enables customised assistance.

Request Supplier Hardship Funds

Leading energy companies such as British Gas, EDF, E.ON, and Scottish Power administer customer hardship funds in collaboration with charitable organisations. These can provide grants, typically between £250 and £750, to assist those with the greatest difficulty paying their bills, clear or reduce supply arrears.

Staff from the supplier can evaluate eligibility and submit applications. Grants relieve pressure immediately by restoring balances.

Request Credit for Prepay Meters in an Emergency

If you have an energy prepayment meter and run out of credit, you may be eligible for emergency discretionary credit. Most major providers offer a £5 to £20 credit if you cannot top up in a genuine emergency. This maintains a temporary supply.

The quantity extended is contingent on prior usage and must be repaid. However, this precludes disconnection when completely out of credit.

Request Breathing Room from Debt Collection

If you’re being pursued for delinquent utility bills, you can request a 60-day grace period. This puts a two-month hold on the enforcement and collection of the debt. The continuation of energy supply and the freezing of interest rates.

Breathing room allows you to seek debt advice and apply for financial assistance to resume payments.

Get help for energy Debt Advice

Energy arrears can be managed with charities such as StepChange, Christians Against Poverty, and National Debtline.

Advisors assist in negotiating affordable repayment plans based on income and expenditures. They assure the optimal use of available resources. Many offer online and telephone debt advice for free. Some organisations provide vulnerable patients with residential visits

Request a Budgeting or Emergency Loan

Budgeting Social Fund loans and grants may assist low-income individuals with utility debts and essential costs. Emergency Crisis Loans are also available to cover emergency living expenses such as heating costs.

Local government crisis and care grants can offer comparable assistance. Energy suppliers, debt charities, and benefits counsellors can assist with applications.

Seek support

Charities and community organisations provide crucial assistance to those battling utility debts:

  • Food bank vouchers assist in topping up prepayment meters.
  • Local authority programmes provide funding for energy costs.
  • Charities such as Turn2Us distribute discretionary utility grants.

Arrange a Reasonable Repayment of Debt for your energy

When seeking assistance with energy arrears, the objective is to agree on a manageable, affordable repayment plan. Support should alleviate the burden and allow you to steadily pay off debt without sacrificing basic requirements.

Be truthful about what is feasible when restructuring payments. This maintains the energy supply while progressively reducing arrears.

The best chance of overcoming energy debt concerns is to be proactive and to utilise all available assistance. Do not hesitate to request assistance. If you would like to learn more about debt, you can check out our debt section here.

Move to a cheaper tariff

After arrears are paid, transitioning to a discounted energy tariff can provide ongoing bill relief for low-income households with ongoing affordability issues.Comparing plans to find the most affordable tariff is recommended based on anticipated consumption. Installing a smart meter aids in keeping track of consumption and ensures accurate invoicing to prevent the recurrence of debt. Energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting and draft-proofing, will reduce consumption and increase affordability. 

To conclude

Managing energy expenditures efficiently over the long term simplifies maintaining payments. However, when in arrears, immediate assistance should be sought so that debts do not spiral out of control.

Debt is nothing to be ashamed of, but ignoring it can lead to dire consequences. Reach out for help today and start repaying your debts at an affordable rate for you.

Useful Resources

  1. Centre for sustainable energy –  Targeting energy efficiency resources in Wales
  2. Ofgem – Get help if you cannot afford your energy bills
  3. UK Government – Help with your energy bills
  4. Citizens Advice – Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
  5. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Energy Bills Support Scheme