Worried about energy debt this winter? Here’s the support you can get to help with your bills

If you’re heading into winter owing money to your energy supplier, or are worried you won’t be able to afford your heating when temperatures drop, you’re not alone.

Around 3.4 million people are in debt to their energy supplier, owing an average of £220 each. Together, that adds up to an estimated £750m.

Research by Uswitch suggests around nine million households are heading into winter either owing their energy supplier money or with no credit left in their account.

Just 55% of energy account holders are currently in credit, down from almost two-thirds in 2022.

And even if you have money left in your account, you might not have enough to see you through the colder months.

Only 29% of people with positive balances have saved £300 or more, while the typical customer has between £51 and £100 in credit.

It’s little wonder so many people are worried.

The survey found that two in five households (40%) feel more anxious about paying their energy bills this winter than they did last year.

More than a quarter of people already in debt owe more than they did a year ago, while almost one in 10 have slipped from being in credit into arrears.

And if you’re struggling, you’re not necessarily confident things will get better.

One in 10 people in debt say they cannot afford to pay it off, while one in five hope their balance will come down on its own.

With energy costs still putting pressure on household budgets, many people are already making difficult choices.

More than two in five plan to wear extra layers rather than switch on their radiators, while 8% expect to spend less on groceries.

But if you’re worried about your energy bills, you don’t have to struggle on alone.

There’s help available, and there are steps you can take today.

Help with your energy bills: what can you do?

If you’re behind on your payments, worried about getting into debt or simply unsure how you’ll afford to heat your home, here’s where to start.

Contact your energy supplier

This is one of the most important things you can do if you’re struggling to pay.

You don’t have to wait until you’ve missed a payment. If you think you might fall behind, contact your supplier now and explain your situation.

Depending on your circumstances, your supplier may be able to:

• agree a payment plan you can afford
• offer a payment break or temporarily reduce your payments
• review your monthly direct debit and debt repayments
• give you more time to pay what you owe
• offer access to a hardship fund or other financial support

Check whether you can get an energy grant

If you’re in energy debt, you may be able to get help from a grant or hardship fund.

Some energy suppliers have funds that can help you pay off some or all of your arrears, depending on your circumstances and the fund’s rules.

Here are some of the main ones: 

• British Gas Energy Trust (open to everyone, not just British Gas customers) 

• Scottish Power Hardship Fund 

• Ovo Energy Fund 

• E.ON Next Energy Fund 

• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund 

• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ 

• Boost Power Energy Bills Support Fund 

Even if your supplier isn’t listed, contact them and ask what help is available. 

Get a fuel voucher if you can’t afford to top up

If you use a prepayment meter and can’t afford to top up, you may be able to get a fuel voucher to help keep your gas or electricity supply running.

Contact your local council, Citizens Advice or a local support organisation to ask what’s available in your area.

If you’re eligible, a voucher can provide credit for your meter. Availability and eligibility depend on the scheme, so ask for help as soon as you can.

Sign up for the priority services register

You could get extra support from your energy supplier if you’re eligible for the priority services register (PSR).

You may qualify if you:

• have a disability or health condition
• are of state pension age
• have a young child or are pregnant
• need extra help communicating with your supplier or accessing essential services

Signing up to the priority services register is free. Just ask your supplier. 

Help to make your home warmer and cheaper to heat

If you’re struggling with energy costs, you may be able to get help improving your home’s energy efficiency.

Depending on where you live, your income and the type of property you have, support may include insulation, heating upgrades or other improvements that help you use less energy.

• Energy company obligation  

• Great British insulation scheme 

• Home upgrade grant (for homes not using mains gas) 

• Boiler upgrade scheme 

Extra help in winter 

Warm home discount 

If you qualify for the warm home discount, you’ll get £150 off your electricity bill. Your supplier applies it automatically. 

Winter fuel payment 

If you're over state pension age, you could get £100 - £300 to help with heating with the winter fuel payment.  

Help in your part of the UK 

• Scotland: Home energy Scotland offers free advice and grants. 

• Wales: Nest scheme helps with insulation and energy upgrades. 

• Northern Ireland: Check with your local council for available energy grants. 

Want to save more? 

Getting help with energy debt is important, but there are also small changes you can make at home to help reduce your energy use.

From closing the curtains, to even cleaning your fridge, we’ve listed 50 smart energy-saving tips to help you save on energy and reduce your bills.  

And, if you think you might be missing out on any benefits, use our benefits calculator to check what you could be eligible for.