Millions of households are being urged to stay in touch with their energy supplier, as Ofgem warns that failing to do so could mean missing out on valuable help. The regulator says simply keeping details up to date and contacting the supplier early can open the door to support with bills, flexible payment arrangements, and potentially cheaper deals.
Staying connected can save you money
In a message to households, Ofgem said: “So much of staying on top of your energy bills comes down to keeping in touch with your supplier. Keeping your details up to date and reaching out early can unlock support, flexible payments, and better deals.”
Its message to struggling households was blunt: “Staying connected can save you money.”
The warning comes as households continue to face pressure from high energy costs, and Ofgem says people should not wait until they are seriously behind with payments before asking for help. Anyone worried about paying their gas or electricity bill should contact their supplier as soon as possible.
What households should do
Ofgem rules mean suppliers must work with customers to agree a payment plan they can afford. Depending on individual circumstances, households can ask for their payments or debt repayments to be reviewed, seek a payment break or reduction, request more time to pay, or ask about hardship funds.
Ofgem says households should keep contact details up to date, contact their supplier early, ask about cheaper options, and check for grants and support schemes. Suppliers may offer schemes to help with energy costs, repay energy debt, or make energy-saving improvements.
Priority Services Register
There is also a potentially valuable free service many households may be able to access: the Priority Services Register. People who have reached State Pension age, are pregnant, have young children, have a disability or long-term medical condition, or have recently experienced certain changes in their circumstances may be eligible.
Those on the register can receive extra help including priority support during emergencies, advance warning of planned power cuts where possible, and bills in large print or Braille.
Ofgem has previously warned that keeping contact details updated is particularly important because money can otherwise become stranded on closed accounts. It said suppliers were trying to return unclaimed money to 1.9 million customers, with most of the unclaimed cash linked to missing contact details.
