British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF are among the major energy suppliers offering financial support to households struggling with energy bills this winter. The help comes as higher energy prices have come into force for millions of homes from October.
Households on a standard energy tariff are facing an increase in bills due to the latest Ofgem price cap change. The energy regulator's announcement means gas and electricity unit rates are rising by 4% between the start of October and December 31 for those affected. That is set to see the bill for the average household, paying by direct debit for gas and electricity, reach £1,723 - up £5 a month, or £60 a year if the level is sustained over 12 months.
There is also the prospect of another rise to follow in January, with analysts at research and consulting firm Cornwall Insight predicting a price cap rise of a further 16%. But help is at hand for many worried families.
Government support and provider schemes
The Government has stepped in to offer support to households by temporarily removing the 5% VAT from electricity bills until March 31 next year, cutting around £45 a year from bills. There are also other ways to save money, because financial support is available from several energy providers to help with bills this winter, as The Express reports.
Major firms such as British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF have energy support schemes for customers having financial difficulties and can offer grants to help them pay off their energy debts. Below are seven of the energy support schemes which eligible households could apply for this winter to help them manage energy debt or bills.
British Gas
The company funds an independent charitable trust called the British Gas Energy Trust which helps people with energy debt to write off grants. Through the trust, households across England, Scotland and Wales can apply for an Energy Support Grant. This provides up to £1,700 worth of support per household. There is also a small grants scheme which provides emergency energy vouchers and essential white goods, such as ovens, fridges and washing machines.
Octopus Energy
Support here is offered through its Octo Assist scheme: a £40m support package designed to help those most in need to afford to pay their bills. The scheme includes practical help such as free electric blankets, standing charge waivers, grants to offset high energy bills and long-term payment plans or payment 'holidays'.
EDF Energy
The company provides financial help through its Customer Support Fund. This offers grants to customers who are struggling with energy debt. The scheme can help with electricity or gas bill debts. It can also provide essential white goods like a fridge or a cooker.
OVO Energy
Help available through the company's Extra Support scheme provides targeted financial support and debt relief for customers struggling to pay their bills. The scheme also offers practical help including free energy-saving products such as heated throws, smart sockets and home efficiency kits.
E.ON Next
The firm provides help to customers through its Energy Fund which is a scheme designed to support those experiencing financial hardship and struggling with their energy bills. The fund can provide help with debt relief as well as replacement energy efficient appliances, such as cookers, fridges and washing machines. Smaller products are also available to help keep customers warm during the winter.
Utility Warehouse and Scottish Power
Utility Warehouse provides emergency credit through its Payment Relief Fund to pre-payment customers who might be struggling to afford to meet their energy bills.
Financial support is offered by Scottish Power through the firm's Hardship Fund which is designed to help customers who are having difficulty paying their bills due to low income or other circumstances. The fund is designed to help customers get their energy payments under control by clearing or reducing their arrears. Customers receiving certain benefits - or having a low household income - could qualify.
