HOMEOWNERS struggling to pay their bills may be able to get help from their energy supplier.
Energy bills are set to drop this summer, but if you still find yourself falling behind, your energy supplier may be able to help.
Regulator Ofgem has just announced that the energy price cap will be dropping from July 1.
This means that typical gas and electricity bills will be capped at £2,074 a year from the beginning of July – though the exact amount can vary depending on how much you use.
The fall in Ofgem's price cap will reward households battling the cost of living with a £426 annual saving, on average.
However, bills remain high in comparison to what they were 18 months ago and many households may still find their finances spiralling out of control.
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For homeowners in this position, there is help out there and a number of energy suppliers have schemes in place to assist you.
Here we have explained the grants and help available if you are struggling with your bills.
British Gas
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened applications for its Individuals and Family Fund, and the good news is you do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.
Successful applicants could get a grant worth up to £1,500 to help with their energy bills.
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To be considered for a grant you must meet the following criteria:
- You must live in England, Scotland or Wales
- You will have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years
- You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account in your name or be a member of that household. The energy account must relate to your main residence
- You have electric and/or gas debt
- You do not have savings above £1,000
- You have received help from a money advice agency
When applying you will need to provide evidence that you've received money advice in the last three months.
You'll also need proof of your current household income.
British Gas customers will also need a recent meter reading – unless they're on a smart meter.
You can apply for the fund on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Scottish Power
If you are on a lower income and struggling to pay your bills you could be eligible for the ScottishPower Hardship Fund.
The fund can help you get back in control of your finances by clearing or reducing arrears by crediting your ScottishPower energy account.
You could be eligible if you meet the terms and conditions and are receiving benefits including, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance.
There are also other special circumstances that could make you eligible such as reduced income due to illness.
If you decide to make an application, you can do so through Social Enterprise Direct, which manages the scheme for Scottish Power.
E.on
The E.on Next Energy Fund is available for those who are experiencing financial hardship.
There are two options available, one offers help with paying gas and electricity bills through grants.
The second option replaces household appliances that have broken down such as cookers, fridge freezers and washing machines.
You need to show that you have made regular payments towards your energy bill over a three-month period.
You can apply online and will need to provide certain information like your proof of income and a recent meter reading.
Ovo
Ovo offer a variety of options for customers who are struggling.
The first step is to contact them and discuss your situation.
They can help by putting payment plans in place that could help spread the cost and make your bills more manageable.
The payments can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly and some money will go towards repaying the debt and some will go towards the gas and electricity you are currently using.
They also offer the option of having a Pay As You Go meter installed, however, it is worth bearing in mind that your energy might cost more on Pay As You Go.
Pay As You Go prices are variable, so they could go up and down in the future, although they do say that customers will be given plenty of notice.
Shell
Shell has a £20m Helpfund that has helped thousands of its customers with financial support.
If you are struggling they advise you to contact them to discuss your situation so that they can work out the best way to help.
This support could be changing how you pay for your bill, arranging payments from benefits or referring to specialist agencies for more support.
You can contact Shell Energy's customer services on 0330 094 5800 or [email protected] to get more information and apply.
Octopus Energy
Octopus has previously offered a range of support including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund.
What you can get depends on your circumstances and needs.
Direct bill support could include vouchers up to £500 or a payment holiday.
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It could also include a loan of a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks at home that you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill.
We have contacted Octopus to find out if their fund still applies and we will update when we hear back from them.
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