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Six gas and electricity providers offering cost of living help
British Gas
The UK’s biggest energy supplier offers several options for those struggling to pay. If you’re on British Gas’s pay-as-you-go service (by topping up a meter) and you’ve already used all your emergency credit, you may be entitled to extra credit, although this will eventually need to be paid back.
If you do go into debt, you may be able to repay this using the Fuel Direct scheme, whereby payments come directly out of any benefit payments you get.
There are options for those who pay by Direct Debit, too. Helpline staff can talk you through several simple methods that could reduce your bill, such as getting a smart meter and linking it to the British Gas app to help you stay within your budget, or checking if there’s a cheaper tariff you could be using. Again, Direct Debit customers may be able to repay debts directly out of government-issued benefits using the Fuel Direct scheme.
EDF
Like most major energy suppliers, EDF’s website offers a list of handy tips to help you use less energy, which could help you lower your household bills. Unlike many others, however, it also runs a ‘Customer Support Fund’ – a grant paid out to EDF’s most vulnerable customers, which you can apply for through their partner, Charis Grants.
If you need more time to pay your bills, start by getting in touch to see if they can extend your payment deadline, or set up an instalment plan.
E.On Next
Similar to EDF, E.On Next offers grants for those most at risk from energy poverty – find out if you could be eligible at E.On Next's funding page.
It also has a partnership with Paylink, a free service that uses your financial information to create a personal payment plan. While this won’t reduce your actual bills, it could make sure you don’t miss deadlines and get late payment fees.
OVO Energy
As with other suppliers, the best first step for OVO customers struggling to pay their bills is to get in touch and explain your situation.
They may be able to support you with a payment plan, which spreads the cost of your bill (plus any outstanding debt) over a set number of payments, helping you avoid having to pay a lump sum at once. OVO’s website also offers information on other resources and helplines available to those struggling with debt.
Octopus
Another supplier offering grants for customers who are struggling, Octopus has set aside £15 million to help its most vulnerable customers pay their energy bills. Head here to find out if you’re eligible for direct financial support.
As well as personal repayment plans, Octopus has, in the past, also offered practical ways to help customers cut their costs, including the loan of thermal-imaging cameras to spot heat leaks in the home. This offer closed in November 2022, but could return in the future.
ScottishPower
One of Scotland’s biggest energy providers is another offering grants for customers hardest hit by the rising cost of living. You can apply for the ScottishPower Hardship Fund by calling the debt charity StepChange on 0800 652 7491 (Relay UK 18001 0800 652 7491). They’ll handle all the application forms for you and get in touch should you be eligible for financial support.
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This content is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be regarded as financial advice. While we’ve taken every effort to make sure this information is as accurate as possible, it has not been independently verified.