6 services to speak to if you are struggling to pay your energy bills Mar 24, 2023

With one in four energy consumers in debt to their suppliers, it can feel impossible to know what the next step is.

We've put together six resources you can access now if you are feeling concerned about paying your energy bills.

Breathing Space scheme

Breathing Space is a government scheme which offers up to 60 days of protection from creditors. During this time, they should not be able to:

• Charge interest and fees
• Take enforcement action
• Contact you regarding your payment

The scheme aims to relieve the pressure of debts and give you the chance to think about your long term debt management plans.

View full details of the scheme here.

StepChange debt charity

StepChange offer a variety of services and can help no matter how large or small your debt.

From useful tips on keeping debt at a minimum, to free debt management plans, StepChange offer solutions for most debts and have various tools to help you work out which option is best for you.

Visit the StepChange website here.

E.ON Next Energy Fund

E.ON customers can apply for the Next Energy Fund, which offers assistance with paying energy bills or the replacement of an appliance that has broken or is in poor condition.

View full details of the fund here.

Fuel Direct scheme

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you may wish to take part in the Fuel Direct scheme, where energy bill payments are deducted from your benefits.

To take part, you will need to contact the organisation responsible for your benefits.

The scheme helps to get back on track by ensuring the bill is consistently paid.

View full details of the scheme here.

Support from your supplier

Under Ofgem rules, your supplier must work with you to come to a realistic payment plan if you cannot afford to pay your energy bills.

There are a few different ways you can ask for help from your supplier, including:

• Payments breaks/reductions
• More time to pay your bills
• Access to hardship funding
• Energy advice
• Access to the Priority Services Register

Not sure who your supplier is? Find out here.

Warm Welcome Spaces

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills or feel you cannot heat your home, you may want to consider visiting a 'warm welcome space'.

With locations across the country, these spaces offer a heated place to stay for long periods at a time, often with hot drinks, charging facilities and/or access to a computer.

Find a warm welcome space here.

Visit our schemes page to see if we are running an energy efficiency scheme in your area, or contact your local authority for more information.

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