Households struggling with energy bills aren’t seeking help

Many people who are struggling with their energy bills are staying silent - partly because of embarrassment.

According to research by British Gas, more than one in three (35%) UK adults struggle to pay their gas and electricity bills at least some of the time.

But a similar number (34%) are keeping it to themselves because they feel there’s a stigma around asking for help.

That’s up from 28% a year ago.

At the same time, over a third (35%) aren’t seeking support because they mistakenly believe they won’t qualify.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter (23%) are put off because they think the application process is too complicated.

Who are people turning to for help?

More than half (51%) of people find it hard to talk about struggling with their energy bills - up from 35% last year.

Among those who are happy to ask for help, almost a third (31%) are turning to friends and family.

Meanwhile, nearly a quarter (23%) are turning to energy provider payment plans.

Homeowners struggling more than renters

Interestingly, homeowners were found to be more likely to have trouble keeping up with energy bills.

More than four in ten (41%) people who own their own home said they have problems paying for their gas and electricity.

That compares with just over a fifth (21%) of renters.

What can I do now if I’m struggling with energy bills?

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your energy bills, then help is available.

You might be able to:

• get emergency credit if you’re on a prepayment meter
• apply for a grant or hardship fund from your supplier
• join the Priority Services Register for extra support

You can also get in touch with us for help with managing your money or sorting out debt.

We can check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to and help you create a realistic budget.

And if you owe money and are struggling with repayments, we’re here to give you debt advice. 

We’ve also put together a list of 50 smart energy-saving tips to help you save on energy and reduce your bills.