Are you worried about your energy bills? If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, you might be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
The Council Tax rebate Local councils are currently giving Band A to Band D taxpayers £150. This happens automatically if you pay by direct debit – even if you’re paying a discounted rate or are subject to immigration controls. If you don’t pay by direct debit, the council should contact you to make alternative arrangements – but beware of scammers pretending to offer this service.
Help next winter In October everyone paying for electricity will receive a £200 credit, which will then need to be repaid over 5 years. In November or December, most people born before 25 September 1955 will automatically receive between £100 and £300 Winter Fuel Payment. If you’re receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit or other income-related benefits you could be eligible for automatic Cold Weather Payments between November and March £25 is paid if the temperature in a region is (or forecast to be) at or below zero Celsius for 7 consecutive days. There will also be a £150 Warm Home Discount available from energy suppliers to customers who are on benefits or low incomes – the details are not yet finalised.
Grants to help pay off your energy debts If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off. The following offer grants to customers via their Trust or Fund websites: British Gas Energy, Scottish Power, Ovo Energy, E.ON Energy, E.ON Next Energy, EDF Energy, Bulb Energy. For Octopus, apply for a grant on the Octopus Energy website. If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust.
What if you still can’t pay your bill? Contact your suppliers to agree a payment plan - your supplier has to help you come to a solution. They are unlikely to threaten to disconnect you (especially if you are elderly or have young children, a disability or a long-term health problem, as there are regulations restricting this action). However, they may ask you to have a pre-payment meter installed. Check with your local authority to see if the Household Support Fund has re-opened in your area. This is government funding to help people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. You could also search “Check if you can increase your income” on our national website citizensadvice.org.uk and you could search moneysavingexpert.com for ideas to save money.
Need advice? For help with energy bills or other matters you can phone our Adviceline on 0808 278 7936 (Mon-Fri 10-5) or, if you’re in Surrey Heath, you can call 01276 417900 and leave a message for a call back, or email client@camberley.cabnet.org.uk. Alternatively, you can find information at citizensadvice.org.uk regarding your local office, where you can also get advice by webchat and email. 40
