Struggling to pay your energy bills?
You may be able to get help with your bills, energy debt or the cost of keeping your home warm.
Start by checking what help is available.
Can’t Pay Your Bill?
Contact your energy supplier as soon as you can.
Tell them you are struggling to pay.
They may be able to help with:
- a payment plan
- more time to pay
- energy debt
- prepayment meter problems
- other support
If you agree a payment plan, make sure you can afford it.
Learn more: Energy Debt and Support →
Check Your Bill
Before looking for help, check that your bill is correct.
Look at:
- meter readings
- energy use
- billing dates
- unit rates
- standing charges
- payments
Also check whether the bill is based on an estimated meter reading.
If you have suddenly been charged for energy used a long time ago, check the back-billing rules too.
Learn more: Your Energy Bill Explained →
Learn more: Bills and Back-Billing →
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount can help some households with their electricity bill.
Who can get it depends on the current rules and where you live.
The rules can also change.
So, check the latest information for this winter.
Learn more: Warm Home Discount →
Winter Heating Help
Other help may be available during winter.
What you can get can depend on your age, income, benefits and where you live.
The schemes also differ across the UK.
Learn more: Winter Heating Payments and Other Help →
Energy Grants
Some energy companies and charities offer grants.
These may help with energy debt or other energy costs.
Each scheme has its own rules.
So, even if you cannot get help from one scheme, you may be able to get help from another.
Learn more: Energy Grants and Supplier Support →
Help to Make Your Home Warmer
You may be able to get help with work to make your home warmer.
For example, this could include:
- insulation
- heating improvements
- other energy-saving work
The help you can get will depend on the scheme, your home and your circumstances.
Learn more: Help to Make Your Home Warmer →
Check Your Benefits
It is also worth checking whether you are getting all the benefits you can claim.
Not all help with energy costs comes through an energy scheme.
Extra income from a benefit you have missed could also help with household bills.
So, consider doing a full benefits check.
Can’t Afford to Top Up?
If you use a prepayment meter and cannot afford to top up, contact your supplier straight away.
Say clearly:
“I cannot afford to top up my meter.”
Also tell them if anyone in your home could be at risk without heating or electricity.
Then ask what help they can give you.
Learn more: Energy Debt and Support →
Do You Owe Money?
Do not ignore energy debt.
First, check that the amount is correct.
Then speak to your supplier.
Tell them what you can afford to pay.
Also check whether a grant or other support could help with the debt.
If you have several debts, free debt advice may also help.
Is Your Home Hard to Heat?
High bills can sometimes be caused by the home itself.
For example, heat may be escaping through:
- the roof
- walls
- floors
- windows
- doors
- gaps and draughts
So, if your home is expensive to keep warm, look at heat loss as well as energy prices.
You may also be able to get help with improvements.
Learn more: Insulation and Heat Loss →
What Help Do You Need?
Use this quick guide.
I can’t pay my bill
→ Contact your supplier and read Energy Debt and Support.
I can’t afford to top up
→ Contact your supplier now and tell them you cannot afford more credit.
My bill looks wrong
→ Read Your Energy Bill Explained.
I’ve received an old bill
→ Read Bills and Back-Billing.
I want help with winter bills
→ Check Warm Home Discount and Winter Heating Payments and Other Help.
I have energy debt
→ Check Energy Grants and Supplier Support.
My home is hard to keep warm
→ Check Help to Make Your Home Warmer.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Check anyway.
Different schemes have different rules.
You may qualify for one even if you cannot get another.
Also, the rules can change.
So, do not rule yourself out without checking.
Where to Start
If you are struggling with energy costs:
- Check your bill.
- Contact your supplier if you cannot pay.
- Ask for a payment plan you can afford.
- Check discounts and grants.
- Check your benefits.
- Look for help to make your home warmer.
- Get free advice if you need it.
Try to ask for help early.
You may have more options before the debt grows.
Key Points
- Contact your supplier if you cannot pay.
- Check that your bill is correct.
- Look for grants, discounts and other help.
- Ask for help quickly if you cannot afford to top up.
- Check whether you can get help to make your home warmer.
Struggling with energy costs? Check what help you can get.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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