STRUGGLING energy customers could get helping reducing or even clearing their energy debt.
Some energy suppliers are providing funding to help customers clear their debt if they’re in arrears.
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EDF and British Gas are just two providers offering the assistance.
If you qualify for the grants, which can be hundreds of pounds, they could help you reduce or even clear your energy debt.
EDF is contacting more than 100,000 vulnerable to customers to let them know what help is available through its Fresh Start campaign.
The scheme will aim to help those with energy debt, who are not able to repay it.
Earlier this year, the firm doubled its support fund to £10million, which dishes out funding on a case-by-case basis to those who need it.
Meanwhile, British Gas Energy Trust offers grants of up to £1,500 that can be used to clear your energy debt.
You don’t have to be a customer to qualify either but you must previously have sought advice and be in fuel poverty.
Other suppliers have hardship grants too:
- Scottish Power offers grants of up to £750 to customers receiving certain benefits.
- Octopus Energy has its Assist Fund, which offers support including money and the chance to borrow a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home.
- E.ON and E.ON next customers can get cash grants
- Bulb‘s scheme is not currently open. When applications resume it offers grants of £140 to help with energy costs.
- British Gas has its own hardship fund offering average grants of £550 – but this is currently closed to new applications.
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It comes just days before regulator Ofgem reveals just how much bills will go up by this winter.
On August 26, households will find out what the new energy price cap will be.
It will come into effect on October 1, and latest estimates suggest it could push the average annual household bill to almost £3,700.
The worsening situation means two-thirds of all UK households are expected to be in fuel poverty by January (when you spend more than 10% of your income on energy).
Households already owe £1.3billion to energy suppliers – an average of £206 each, according to Uswitch.
What to do if you’re struggling with energy bills?
The first step if you’re struggling is to speak to your provider.
What help you can get will depend on which is your supplier as well as your personal circumstances.
Ofgem recommends that if you are in debt on your energy bills, you should contact your supplier.
It must take into account your circumstances and offer to help.
It should agree a debt repayment plan with you, and your bills should be reduced to a more manageable level based on your “ability to pay”.
Customers can ask for:
- A review of payments and debt payments
- Payment breaks (if available) or reductions
- More time to pay
- Access to hardship funds if available
You may also be able to apply for Breathing Space, a government scheme that can stop creditors chasing you for up to 60 days while you seek debt advice.
Find out if you can get help from your local council through the Household Support Fund, too.
Some are offering up to £300 cash to help struggling households cover the cost of essentials.
