Working with your energy provider
The last thing energy companies want is for their customers to be suffering, and all suppliers will have staff available to talk to to work out affordable payment plans. Government rules state that suppliers must work with you, and you can speak to them to get a review of your current payments and to arrange for ‘payment breaks’ to give you more time. On the Money Saving Expert website, you can find further information on what to do if you are struggling with your energy bills.
Thames Water can also help if you’re struggling with water bills. Low-income households (those earning less than £20,111 in London) can get discounts of up to 50% through its WaterHelp programme.
There are also hardship funds that can be accessed to help offset bills, and the Priority Service registration is a free support service that suppliers run to help if you are in a vulnerable situation.