British Gas, Octopus, EDF and Scottish Power to cut some customers' bills - Liverpool Echo

British Gas, Octopus and other energy giants are offering help to customers who are struggling to pay their bills.

Under Ofgem rules energy suppliers are obligated to offer a range of options to help anybody struggling to make ends meet. This can come in the form of reductions, payment breaks, affordable repayment plans, full payment plan reviews, as well as hardship payments and more time to pay what is owed.

What you may be offered depends on who you get your energy from.

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Here are all the ways you can receive help if you are struggling to pay your bills with British Gas, Octopus, EDF, E.ON and Scottish Power, as reported by Birmingham Live.

British Gas

British Gas said: "Our support fund has helped more than 21,000 British Gas customers since 2021 with energy debt write off grants worth up to £1,500. It’s also funding extra money advice services across England, Scotland and Wales, building on the support already offered to all households."

The energy giant added: "If your energy bills are more than you can afford to pay right now, speak with your supplier to see if you can pay what you owe by instalments as part of a payment plan."

Octopus

Octopus said: "Energy prices are devastating at the moment. Even with the government’s extensive support, we know many people will struggle with their bills this winter.

"Here’s what we’re doing to help. Octo Assist is a £15m customer help fund and a collection of support schemes designed to give extra help to customers most in need."

EDF

EDF said: "Our Customer Support Fund gives grants and support to vulnerable customers who are struggling with energy debt. It can help with electricity or gas bill debts, and provide essential white goods such as a fridge or cooker.

But before you apply for funding, you need to get independent debt advice. To apply, you will need:

• Your EDF account number (find it on your energy bills or EDF emails)
• The current debt balance on all EDF accounts you have
• Details of your household finances and vulnerability

Scottish Power

The Scottish Power Hardship Fund offers grants worth up to £750 to help with energy bills. You could qualify for help from the ScottishPower Hardship Fund if you meet the terms and conditions and you’re receiving

• Income Support,
• Job Seekers Allowance,
• Pension Credit, or
• Employment and Support Allowance

You could also qualify if you have a low household income, or if there are special circumstances, for example you have experienced an income reduction due to illness.

E.On Next

The firm says: "The E.ON Next Energy Fund has been created to help our customers (including Sainsbury Energy) who are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling. There are two ways this fund can help and support you.

"The first option is to help with paying your gas and electricity bills through grants, helping you to become financially stable and more importantly, getting you back in control of your finances. The other option is to provide a replacement appliance such as a cooker, fridge, fridge-freezer or washing machine if yours has broken or poor condition."

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2023-10-15 04:30:00Z
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