How your energy provider could help you save up to £2,000 off your bill
Cold weather started to bother us, and as people tried to warm up, there were also undesirable increases in heating costs.
Millions of people in the UK are struggling with high energy prices this year as the rising cost of living makes this Christmas difficult for many.
There are many avenues of support available for those looking to cut costs this winter, but one of the lesser-known options comes from the energy providers themselves.
Under Ofcom rules, all major energy companies are required to offer support to customers in distress through a host of schemes. This ranges from free services like electric blankets and efficiency upgrades to cash grants and debt cancellations.
For those who are behind on their bill payments, it is always advisable to contact their energy provider as soon as possible to find out what assistance is available. They all generally allow customers to negotiate a payment plan they can afford, although in some cases as much as £2,000 is offered to cover the costs.
Here are the offers from the UK’s six biggest energy providers:
British Gas Trust
Grants are available through the British Gas Trust for both customers and non-customers of the eponymous energy provider. While British Gas funds the trust, it is independent of the company.
British Gas customers can receive up to £2,000 from the trust’s ‘Energy Support Fund’ (ESF), while non-customers can receive up to £1,700 from the ‘Individuals and Families Fund’ (I&F).
Energy Support Fund
British Gas Trust offers this fund to British Gas credit and prepaid meter customers. Applicants must not have received a grant from the trust in the last 12 months and have outstanding debts between £250 and £2,000.
The Foundation requires applicants to submit account balances for evaluation; If this amount exceeds the £2,000 threshold the application will be rejected.
Get a free partial share of up to £100.
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Get a free partial share of up to £100.
Capital is at risk.
Terms and conditions apply.
ADVERTISING
Individuals and Families Fund
Customers of other energy providers can apply for this fund from the British Gas Trust, provided they have not received a grant from the charity in the last two years.
Prepaid customers must owe at least £50 in energy debt, while credit account customers must owe £250 (both up to £1,700). They must also have a household income of less than £20,328 and/or live in the same household as someone who receives disability benefit or carer’s allowance and/or has three or more children.
Importantly, customers of other major energy providers who have their own energy support funds can only apply if they are rejected by their provider’s scheme.
More details are available at: British Gas Foundation website.
British Gas said: “Tackling energy debt and fuel poverty is a priority for us and we’re making sure help is available when it’s needed most. We’ve committed £140 million, the UK’s largest voluntary energy support package, to make sure no one faces these challenges alone.”
Octopus
To support people during the energy crisis, Octopus established the ‘Octopus Aid’ programme, a £40 million fund offering a range of support tools. The energy provider says this includes grants, flat rate holidays and debt write-offs for those in “greatest need”.
What the offer is is determined on a case-by-case basis, and customers are invited to disclose their income and expenses to apply. Octopus says it has supported more than 100,000 customers through the fund to date.
The energy provider is also running a ‘You Pay, We Pay’ initiative, which covers every additional payment a customer in debt makes to help them reduce their debt further over a period of time.
Pensioners in need can also receive a one-off £200 to support themselves, while vulnerable customers are being offered a free electric blanket to keep warm and reduce bills.
Octopus customers for full details of what’s on offer You can visit the provider’s website.
An Octopus Energy spokesperson said: “We’re obsessed with reducing our customers’ bills while ensuring support is always available to those who need it.
“We urge our customers to contact us if they are experiencing difficulties, as we have many different ways to help, from thermal imaging cameras to free power sessions and electric blankets.”
OVO
OVO has committed £56 million to the ‘Extra Support Package’, which offers year-round help and extra support in winter.
Depending on eligibility, applicants may receive automatic payment discounts, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans. OVO also offers free energy-saving products like appliances and free home energy efficiency improvements to help reduce bills.
OVO customers for full details of what’s on offer You can visit the provider’s website.
An OVO spokesperson said: “Our teams are always ready to support customers. By working with our charity partners and offering our Extra Support Package, we’re providing support to those who need it most.”
E.ON Next
E.ON Next customers can apply for support through the company’s Energy Fund. This can provide grants to help with bills and debts, as well as replacement devices.
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must go through a three-month temporary grant program and be able to cover their average monthly energy use. During this period, E.ON will pay off all debts and the debt will be closed provided that all payments are made.
Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, but the power company also requires proof of benefits received by any adult in the household, as well as medical evidence of any disability or health condition.
The company also offers affordable payment plans, variable debt repayment rates and temporary repayment loans to those in need.
E.ON customers for full details of what’s on offer You can visit the provider’s website.
EDF
EDF customers can apply for additional support through the provider’s Customer Support Fund. Can provide grants and replace devices to help with debt.
The fund is available to clients who are struggling with debt and need support to become financially stable. EDF says applicants must show they are committed to being financially stable by making regular payments for ongoing energy use.
Successful applicants will need to enter into a repayment plan with the French energy company and any loan activity will be suspended during this period. If sufficient payment is made within this period, the debt will be completely erased.
The power company requires proof that any adult in the household is receiving assistance and medical proof of any disability or health condition.
EDF customers for full details of what’s on offer You can visit the provider’s website.
Scottish Power
ScottishPower has pledged more than £60 million to a hardship fund designed to help customers take control of their finances and can clear or reduce debts.
To be eligible, most applicants will need to have a qualifying benefit such as universal credit or ESA. ScottishPower has announced that, in exceptional circumstances, it will accept applications from people on low incomes but who do not require qualifying benefits.
The company also offers affordable installment plans, pay-as-you-go meters, and the option to set up on-demand payment using its app.
ScottishPower customers for full details of what’s on offer You can visit the provider’s website.
For more help on the cost of living this winter and beyond, visit The Independent’s regularly updated guide
