Contact your supplier online, in writing or by phone. The details should be on its website or on your bills.
Quick facts
- Payment plan or break
- Ask your supplier
- Hardship funds
- Ask your supplier
- Energy debt
- Supplier schemes and grants
- Breathing Space
- Protection from creditors
- Citizens Advice
- 0808 144 8844
Ask your supplier first
If you are struggling to pay for energy or think you may get into difficulty, you can ask your supplier to:
- agree a payment plan, payment break or reduction
- review your current payments and debt repayments
- give you access to financial support, called ‘hardship funds’
Ask your supplier if they have any schemes or grants that can help with energy costs, paying off energy debt, or making energy-saving improvements to your home.
If you feel like you have not had the support you need, you can complain about your energy supplier.
Government and council help
Your local council may also offer support with home or business energy bills.
- Warm Home Discount
- Cold Weather Payment
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Crisis and Resilience Fund from your council
- Warm Homes: Local Grant and the Energy Company Obligation for insulation
If you are in debt
If you’re worried about being able to repay your debts, you can get free information and advice from MoneyHelper.
In England and Wales, temporary protection from your creditors is called Breathing Space or the Debt Respite Scheme. See debt help.
Free advice
Citizens Advice offers information and support if you are struggling to pay your bills or have a problem with your energy supplier. In England, you can also call 0808 144 8844.
Ask your supplier to put you on its Priority Services Register if you need extra help.
Common questions
What can my energy supplier do if I can't pay?
Agree a payment plan, payment break or reduction, review your payments, and give you access to its hardship fund.
Do energy suppliers give grants?
Ask your supplier whether it has schemes or grants for energy costs, energy debt or energy-saving improvements.
What if my supplier won't help?
You can complain about your energy supplier.
Who gives free advice?
Citizens Advice. In England, call 0808 144 8844.