Shell Energy is the latest energy firm to launch a hardship fund for struggling households, promising a £5million pot of cash to help customers.
The multimilion pound funding will be used to help reduce energy debt for customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
If you’re a Shell customer, you’ll need to get in touch with the company and they’ll refer you to its payment support scheme.
An advisor from Shell Energy will then discuss your situation with you, so you’ll need to explain why you’re struggling to pay your bills.
Each grant will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, so there isn’t set criteria as such that you have to meet in order to receive the funding.
You should contact Shell Energy's customer services on 0330 094 5800 or customer.services@shellenergy.co.uk in the first instance to discuss your circumstances.
You should talk to Shell Energy if you're a customer as soon as possible if you're struggling, as the money could run out at any time.
The scheme is likely to be in high demand after the energy regulator Ofgem hiked its price cap by almost £700 last week.
The price cap for direct debit customers on a default tariff has gone up by £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 from April 1 - a huge jump of 54%.
Are you worried about paying your energy bill? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
Prepayment customers have been hit harder, with a jump of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017.
The price cap sets a limit on the rates a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electric and is currently renewed twice year.
As well as offering help with your bills, the advisor will also go through ways to reduce your energy bill.
What other energy hardship funds and grants are available?
Shell Energy isn't the only supplier to offer a hardship fund or grants for desperate families in the cost of living crisis.
British Gas has an Energy Trust fund that can be accessed by anyone, not just British Gas customers, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.
Help is also available from the following energy providers, if you’re an existing customer:
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
- E.on Energy Fund
- E.on Next Energy Fund
- Ovo Energy Fund
- Octo Assist Fund
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
The exact eligibility requirements vary between energy providers. In some cases, you’ll need to be claiming certain benefits to apply.
Generally speaking, you’ll need to have spoken to a debt adviser first before applying, and you’ll have to show proof of your income and explain why you’re behind on your bills.
You may also want to use the free grants search tool from debt charity Turn2Us to see what help is available where you live.
If you’re struggling to work out what grants or help you could be entitled to, speak to one of the specialist energy charities.
They will also be able to help you if you think you’ve been unfairly treated and want to put in a complaint.
For wider debt help, speak to:
