If you’re struggling to keep up with your bills, get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible (Image: Getty)
British households struggling to heat their home as the UK are being urged to contact their energy supplier for emergency help.
Those who are facing problems keeping their families warm may be able to access financial assistance as well as help with the cost of replacing key household energy appliances.
Alastair Douglas, chief executive of TotallyMoney, said: “A warm home shouldn’t be a luxury, but it’s fast becoming that.
have just been hiked again, and we’ve been told to expect more rises in April. Costs are now almost double what they were before the crisis, and many might be wondering what they can do to reduce the burden.”
:
He then advised Brits facing problems heating their home to contact their supplier as soon as they can.
Mr Douglas added: “If you’re struggling to keep up with your bills, then get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible. They should be able to work out a plan which works for you both, whether that means setting up a payment plan or giving you some breathing space.”
Douglas said the have also set up energy funds for their customers. “If eligible, they might help you to manage your energy bills, or clear all or part of your balance.
“Some will supply you with blankets, or help you to upgrade things like your loft insulation and even a new boiler.”
British Gas customers who are struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills can apply to its energy support fund which can match 100% of every payment made into an energy account for a six-month period with the same amount.
You will need to agree to an affordable regular monthly payment arrangement by Direct Debit for six months; if you pay £50 a month for six consecutive months for example British Gas pay £50 into your energy account each month for the duration of your payment arrangement – so £300 in total.
If EDF is your energy supplier its offers debt support and energy efficient appliances such as cookers, fridges and washing machines, to replace old or broken models.
EDF also offers smaller products to keep its customers warmer during the colder months. If EDF is your energy supplier you will need proof of benefits and/or tax credits received by adults in your household. You will also need roof of any illnesses in your household that have been diagnosed by a doctor or a medical professional.
Don’t miss… [REPORT] [REVEALED]
E.ON customers can apply to its E.ON next energy fund for help. This also includes customers of Sainsbury’s Energy, who are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling. E.ON can help with providing a replacement appliance such as a cooker, fridge, fridge-freezer or washing machine if yours has broken or is in a poor condition.
Octopus’s customer help fund Octo Assist is a £30 million customer help fund which includes collection of support schemes designed to help customers who need it most keep on top of their energy, and keep warm without worrying. It also offers free electric blankets, Winter Fuel Payments, standing charge waivers and more.
Ovo’s extra support fund OVO Extra Support is a £50m fund which over the last year has supported over 200,000 customers manage and pay for their energy.
The Scottish Power Hardship Fund can also help by clearing or reducing outstanding balances for Scottish Power customers who are on a lower income and struggling to pay your energy bills.
Government help for heating
The provides a one-off payment of £300 to those who have reached age and is to be contributed towards heating costs – but only if they qualify.
The Household Support Fund was introduced to help vulnerable households manage the crisis. The government program financially helps Brits who are struggling to pay for food, energy and water bills to name a few.
The Cold Weather Payment helps vulnerable households between November 2024 and March 2025 and claimants will receive £25 per week if temperatures in the local area drop below 0C for seven consecutive days.
There is also the Warm Home Discount for households on a low income or receiving pension credit – a £150 discount is made towards energy bills.
You can use the Home Energy Check which is run by local Age UKs to provide a free home check to ensure a property is energy efficient and not losing heat unnecessarily.