Households across the UK apparently owe a staggering £1.3 billiontotal to energy companies.
That's a staggering amount, but for individual households, the cost of gas and electricity, determined byOfgem's soaring energy price cap , can also be overwhelming. .
Some people register with Don't Pay UKas a protest. This effectively "hit"cost of living by refusing to pay for winter energy supplies.
But what are your options if you can't afford your electricity bill at all? And what help is available to you.
Everything you need to know is here.
What if I can't pay my utility bills?
If you do not have your bills and find yourself unable to payyour energy company should be your first
Energy expert Miles Robinson explains: Notify [Supplier] that you wish to pay off your debt through a payment plan.
“They should discuss and reach an agreement with you on how to pay what you owe. You need to consider how much you can afford to pay:
"They also look at past usage to consider how much energy they are likely to use in the future."
If the repayment plan fails, you may be told (or forced) to install a prepaid meter.
Boiler Central's Miles continues: "This means you have to pay for energy usage upfront and pay weekly to cover the debt." 46}
If you are unable to pay, your energy supply will be cut off.
Again, suppliers should offer the opportunity to pay through plans based on income and expenses.
However, failing to meet the plan or failing to make multiple payments can, in extreme cases, cut off the energy supply.
"If you don't reach an agreement with your supplier, your supplier will have to apply for a court warrant so they can visit your home and cut off your energy supply." says Miles.
"This can be done remotely if you have a smart meter, but your energy company will need to visit you to identify and assess your situation."
} According to Citizens Advicemost suppliers have signed up for an agreement called the 'Energy UK Vulnerability Commitment'. You can find out if a supplier has signed up for a commitment by contacting them or checking their website.
If Supplier signs up, Between 1 October and 31 March,
- Living with children under 16
- Disabled
- Have long-term health problems
- Have serious financial problems
- Have children under the age of 6 live at home
Always have your credit score , says Myles.
He added: “If the bill is included in the rent and you stop paying it, your landlord may be able to evict you for nonpayment of rent…
"However, if you don't pay your utility bills, it may be difficult to refinance your mortgage or get a new mortgage in the future." It is not advisable to do so because of the potential."
As noted above, it is wise to proactively address issues when possible and to know what support you are entitled to.
What assistance is available for paying utility bills?
First,there are many smart ways to save money on your utility bills. is. Reduce unnecessary usage.
But saving energy can only come if you really struggle to pay. Of course, winter (and the need for central heating) is just around the corner.
It is important to know that there is help available.
First, the government is providing a minimum amount of support to all UK households. As part of the
Energy Bills Support Scheme, all UK households automatically receive £400 to help with their utility bills. This is divided into 6 months and sent directly to the energy supplier. , from October 2022.
People living in local tax ranges A to D received a £150 rebate to help with their utility bills in April 2022.
Additional assistance will also be provided to approximately 8 million households through tested means. advantage.
This includes a cost of living payment of £650 (half paid in July 2022 and the other half in the fall),winter fuel paymentsfor pensioners already receiving An additional £300 is included for those who Plus a £150 one-time disability living allowance payment. This will help about 6 million people.
Every year, not just this year, utility bill assistance systems for the elderly and vulnerable have been introduced.
They include:
Benefits recipients may also arrange energy payments directly from benefits as part of the Fuel Direct Scheme. I can do it.
If you have a prepaid meter and cannot afford to add one, you may be able to obtain a fuel voucher fromLocal Authority or by contacting. Fuel Bank Foundation 0800 023 9922 or 0330 088 5765 Call Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Or send an email to [email protected].
Suppliers can also offer temporary credit to people who are really struggling. Check with your energy supplier hereand ask if they have any support available right now.
We encourage you to research which of these schemes apply to you and ensure that you get one if applicable.
See if there are other areas where you can get help where – Local taxes, grocery shopping, rent, childcare costs, etc. – fund Helps cover other bills that may be freed.
Finally, there are people you can talk to about this and other financial matters. This will not only help you get the help you are entitled to, but it will also help you improve things over time.
If your debt is impacting your ability to pay your bills, contactStepChange. A dedicated debt charity that offers advice, customized support, and helps you develop a plan to manage your debt.
You can also call the Free Energy Helpline at 0808 223 1133 at Citizen's Advice. Open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, use our online form or text message option.
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