Energy bills are set to soar to around £3,600 in October as the price cap is set to increase once more.
This is expected to push thousands more into fuel poverty this winter, despite cost of living payments and energy discounts being implemented by the government. By January, experts are warning bills could rise again, closer to £4,000 for the average Direct Debit energy bill.
Financial journalist Martin Lewis has warned of a 'catastrophic' winter and is urging for intervention from the UK Government. For those who are struggling to pay their bills, or are worried about the future, the first port of call should be a talk with their energy provider.
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Energy firms are offering support as the cost of the living is rising to a record high amount and more and more households struggle to make ends meet. Along with financial aid from the UK Government, it is worth checking what your energy provider offers.
A phone call to them will be the best way to see what support you are eligible for. If you want independent advice, you could also go to charities such as Advice Direct Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, StepChange and National Debtline.
British Gas
British Gas offer funding grants to help keep vulnerable customers keep warm in winter, which they say they have now added a further two million pounds to.
Their Winter Fuel Fund will remain open until all money has been distributed to customers. To be eligible you need to have at least £250 worth of debt to your energy company and you could be awarded a grant to help. With no strings attached, it simply gets paid directly onto your energy bill. To find out how to apply, click here.
That fund is on top of the The British Gas Energy Trust is an independently run charity which is funded by British Gas. It is open to British Gas customers and non-British Gas customers who need financial support with their energy bills.
The charity is able to help by advising on fuel debt, directing customers who are struggling to government grants, or - in some circumstances - allow grants for debt relief. You can see more information here
EDF Energy
Those in debt may be eligible for an EDF Customer Support Fund grant through its Priority Services Register, which offers grants, extra support and advice to those who need it. The scheme is now open in partnership with Charis and can be viewed here.
EDF is also offering customers a smart meter and Energy Hub access for free to help customers control their spending. The Energy Hub can be accessed online and uses smart meter data to give customers a personalised view of their energy use, along with tips to help save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
The energy provider has said they can also agree on smaller debt repayments when customers switch to a smart pay as you go meter.
The energy firm also suggests switching to direct debit payments where possible, as customers can pay less for each unit of energy they use. Customers can change the way they pay for their bills by logging onto their EDF MyAccount.
Shell
Shell have set up Shell Energy Support fund, a £5 million fund to alleviate some of the financial hardship and account debt for their energy and broadband customers who need it most. If customers are struggling to pay bills, Shell are urging them to get in contact and explain why.
From there, Shell and the customer can take steps in managing the situation. This can be in the form of the Support fund or changing the way you pay. You can see more about the Shell Energy Support fund here.
Octopus Energy
Octopus has doubled its Octopus Assist fund to £5m, which will be used to help as many households as possible. If you are an Octopus customer who is struggling to pay your bills, you can let the provider know through their online financial support tool. The Octopus Assist fund provides grants to those who are struggling, which range from £50 to £500.
Octopus also say they can help their customers apply to the Warm Home Discount Fund.
They add: "We can offer a number of support options based on circumstances and need, including access to existing schemes, monetary support from the fund, or a loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home." You can see more here.
SSE
SSE offer the following advice to help out customers:
- Pay by direct debit - the price cap rates for direct debit payments are less expensive than that for on demand payments (for example, where you pay your bills by cheque).
- Send regular meter readings - without regular meter readings, SSE have to estimate your bills, potentially leaving you paying too much for your energy. If you have a traditional meter, you can submit your meter readings to SSE online.
- Get a smart meter - smart meters send regular meter readings to SSE, meaning they always know exactly how much energy you use. They can also help you to keep track of your energy usage in real time. To get an SSE smart meter installed, you can book a free appointment.
- Look out for fixed energy tariffs - fixed tariffs are popular with many of SSE's customers, so take a look online to see what your options are. SSE will also tell customers on their bills if they could switch to a cheaper tariff.
Scottish Power
Scottish Power is offering extra help to customers who are struggling. They advise customers to check that they are on the Scottish Power tariff and payment plan that best suits them.
Scottish Power is able to arrange a repayment plan, for customers who are struggling. It lets you pay any arrears over a period of time with a regular agreed amount based on what you're able to afford.
The Scottish Power Hardship Fund is also available for those who are on a lower income and struggling to pay their bills. You can apply by calling the National Debtline or any other debt advice agency, who can help you to fill in your application. For those who are eligible, Scottish Power will clear all of part of your debt balance.
Scottish Power also offers help through its Priority Services Register, which provides a range of services to help you manage your energy account at no additional charge.
Bulb Energy
For Bulb customers who are struggling to pay bills, it is worth noting Bulb have closed their applications for The Bulb Energy Fund 2022 due to 'high demand'.
Bulb state on their website: "There are lots of ways we can help members who are struggling to pay for their energy. It can feel overwhelming to fall behind on your payments, but the most important thing you can do is get in touch."
The energy provider has said they can provide extra help including changing the way you pay, like asking them to install a top up meter, which can make it easier to budget. Or you can apply to make weekly or fortnightly payments, or arrange to have your energy bills paid straight out of your benefit payments, through Fuel Direct.
Bulb can also help you do a financial assessment with one of their partner organisations like Citizens Advice or StepChange. Along with that, they can help install household energy efficiency measures through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, and offer tailored advice to reduce your energy usage
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