How to Get Energy Bill Assistance

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, it can feel stressful, lonely, and embarrassing. But you’re not alone: according to Citizens Advice, 5.3m people in the UK are in debt to their energy supplier.

There is help available, too. Whether you’re already in debt, facing higher payments, or just want to keep costs down, there are steps you can take to get utility bills under control.

You can apply for financial help for utility bills from the Government, your local council, and some charities. Charities can help with advice and support as well. 

You can also aim to reduce electricity bills by using less energy. At the end of this guide, you’ll find energy-saving tips and information about sustainable technology.

Lowering energy costs

Start by assessing your situation. If you’re already in debt to an energy supplier, the first step is to get your payments under control.

Speaking to your supplier may be a good first step to talk through your options. Some companies like British Gas have information and advice online too. If necessary you may be directed towards That should give you the space to look for financial aid, community support, and ways to save electricity. 

Arranging payment plans

Arranging payment plans with your utility suppliers can help you pay off energy debt at your own pace, without taking too much money in one go. It can be useful if you’re on a limited income or trying to manage debt after losing your job. 

There are a few different ways to set up payment plans with your energy supplier. 

• Contact your energy supplier and ask about setting up an affordable payment plan. They may advise you to contact a debt advice charity as well.
• Apply for the Breathing Space scheme (if you’re in England or Wales). This is a free, government-backed scheme that pauses your debts for 60 days so you can come up with a plan.
• Apply for a debt moratorium period (if you’re in Scotland). This works a bit like Breathing Space, with a few important differences.
• Apply for a debt relief order. This can freeze some of your debts for 12 months, after which they’ll be written off. You’ll need a debt advice charity, like StepChange or Citizens Advice, to help you apply. 
• If you get benefits, Fuel Direct deductions might be taken out of your payments until you’ve paid the debt off. You can ask your energy supplier to set up Fuel Direct for your ongoing bills as well as debts.
• Some energy suppliers offer grants to help pay off energy debts. You’ll need to get debt advice first. For example from Citizens Advice. 

Energy bill assistance options

If you have energy debts or you’re struggling to pay the bills, you might be eligible for energy bill assistance programmes. They offer financial help for utility bills—funded by the government, your local council, or some charities.

Government aid programs

The government may be able to help with energy bills if you are elderly, disabled, or struggling to keep up with the cost. 

• Some pensioners and people with low incomes can apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which takes £150 off your electricity bill in the winter. 
• Some people who receive benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest will get a Cold Weather Payment. For each week in winter when the temperature is below zero, you’ll get £25. This doesn’t apply in Scotland.
• If you were born before 23rd September 1958, you could receive a Winter Fuel Payment between £200-£300. Be aware that this is means-tested.
• In Scotland, some people who get benefits will receive a Winter Heating Payment. 
• Children and young people under 19 with a disability in Scotland receive a Child Winter Heating Payment. 
• Your local council may be able to grant money to help with energy bills through the Household Support Fund. This won’t affect any other benefits you get.
• If you pay your landlord for energy or get your heating from a heat network, they should pass any energy discounts on to you.

Community support resources

The government isn’t the only source of energy bill assistance programmes. Community organisations and charities can offer you advice and support. In some cases, they can give you financial help for utility bills.

• If you don’t have money for electricity right now, your energy supplier might be able to give you temporary credit. You’ll need to pay this back later.
• If you have a prepayment meter, you may be able to get a fuel voucher to top it up. Contact your local council or food bank.
• The charity Turn2Us has a database of grants from charities. Use their Benefits Calculator and Grants Search tool to find out what support you could get.
• If you have a disability, the charity Scope can support you with managing debt and accessing grants and benefits. You’ll need to register with them for Disability Energy Support.
• If you are a pensioner, disabled, have communication difficulties, rely on electronic medical equipment, are pregnant, or have small children, you can join your electricity supplier’s Priority Services register. This means they’ll give you priority support and other help.
• If you live in Scotland, you can view a list of grants and support with Energy Advice.
• The British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charity that offers advice, support, and grants if you’re struggling with energy bills. You don’t have to be a British Gas customer to use their services.

Home energy-saving tips

While you get your finances under control, you can also help lower energy costs by saving the electricity you use at home. 

Try these energy-saving tips to reduce electricity bills: 

• Switch off electrical appliances instead of leaving them on standby.
• Turn off lights when it’s light outside or whenever you leave a room.
• Heat the room you’re in, don’t waste heating on empty rooms.
• Turn the thermostat down to 18 degrees, so long as you still feel warm enough.
• Run your washing machine or dishwasher at 30 degrees.
• Dry clothes outdoors instead of using a tumble dryer.
• Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when it’s full.
• Swap baths for showers, and try to limit your time in the shower.
• Check the draught-proofing and insulation in your home. Could you add more?

It’s also worth checking that your electricity meter readings match your bills. If you pay by direct debit, check that you’re not over- or under-paying each month. This could reduce your electricity bill without making any changes to your energy efficiency.

Efficient appliances and technology

Another way to save electricity is by using home appliances with more energy efficiency. Up-to-date technology, insulation, and appliances might cost more upfront, but they can lower energy costs in the long term.

Whether you own or rent your home, you could get financial help to upgrade your energy efficiency.

Identifying energy waste

Some electricity suppliers offer a free energy survey to help you understand how to save electricity. Check your provider’s website to find out if this is available.

If not, you can carry out your own home survey.

• Check the power sockets in your home. Are they all switched on?
• Check all the appliances. Are they switched off when they’re not in use, or left on standby?
• Check the heating. You could turn the thermostat down a few degrees, or focus on heating the rooms which get the most use.
• If you have a combi boiler, check the flow temperature. Many combi boilers are set with a higher flow temperature than you need.
• If you have an immersion heater for hot water, use a timer or switch so that it only turns on when you need it.
• Look for places where you could add more insulation. Think about radiator reflector panels, loft insulation, and draught-proofing for windows and doors.

Sustainable energy solutions

Insulation, more efficient appliances, and renewable energy sources can help reduce electricity bills in the long run. 

If you’re in good financial shape, then they can be worth the investment. There are also grants and funding programmes available for the green energy transition.

How to save electricity and reduce your energy bill

Energy bills have reached record highs in the past few years. However, if you’re finding it hard to keep up, there is help available.

Payment plans, debt pauses, and grants can help get you back on your feet. You can also get government and charity support to keep up with ongoing bills. 

Once your finances are back on track, you can keep costs low by increasing your energy efficiency. Try to save electricity by changing your habits and looking into home insulation.