If you're in debt to your energy supplier, you're not alone. Thousands of people throughout the UK struggle to pay for their energy. However, falling behind on your energy payments doesn't have to lead to your power being switched off.
Want to know what the average cost of an energy bill is in the UK? Visit our comprehensive UK energy statistics page to find out all the key factors affecting the size of your energy payments.
What to do if you're in energy debt
More households than ever across the UK have struggled with their energy bills over the last couple of years. Usually the solution to the problem of expensive energy bills would be to switch to a cheaper energy plan (assuming you've been in debt for less than 28 days) but, although there are increasing numbers of deals on the market, switching to a fixed deal might not be right for everyone.
If you're in debt to your supplier or you know you're going to struggle to pay your bills, your first port of call should be your energy supplier. Ultimately, it's in everyone's interest that the situation is resolved. Call or write to its team to discuss the situation and find out what they can do to help you. Your supplier must also give you information on how to avoid getting into debt, about how you can pay back your debt, and a summary of the money you currently owe.
As well as giving you tips on ways to avoid getting into energy debt in the first place, your energy supplier can set up a repayment plan so you can pay back your energy debt gradually. Although your supplier is not required by law to offer you a way of repaying your debts that takes your financial situation into account, it is likely to. Repayment plans space your energy payments out over time so you don't have to pay large lump sums all at once. They can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and will include a portion of your current use and a portion of your debt. If you are already on a repayment plan, but can't manage the payments, you may be able to renegotiate with your supplier so that it is more affordable.
Can you switch energy supplier when you're in debt?
It depends but the answer is often yes. If you're on a credit meter, you can't switch if you've been in debt for more than 28 days. If you're on a prepayment meter, you can't switch if your debt is more than £500.
If you're on a credit meter and facing the prospect of being disconnected, your energy supplier may suggest that you switch to a prepayment meter, which will ensure you don't fall further behind in debt to it.
With a prepayment meter, you pay for your energy with a token, key or smartcard that you top up like a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. However, if the money runs out, you won't be able to use any energy. Prepayment meters can also often be more expensive than a standard meter.
On the other hand, a prepayment meter puts you in control of exactly how much you spend on your gas and electricity, and is likely to change your energy habits around the home, whether it be turning the lights out in every room or switching to energy-saving lightbulbs.
If your switch is wrongly blocked due to debt, you can make a complaint. If you need help, read our guide on energy complaints.
Find out more about prepayment meters here.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is aimed at alleviating financial pressure on those at risk of fuel poverty. It takes the form of a rebate on the energy a household uses between October and March, when it's likely to see the highest usage.
To learn more, check out our dedicated Warm Home Discount guide, or call the dedicated Warm Home Discount helpline on 0800 030 9322 from 8am to 6pm on Monday to Friday.
Deductions from your benefit payments
Some people on benefits can arrange to pay off their energy debt by way of small weekly deductions from their benefit payments, known as third party deductions. You can get more information from the Citizen's Advice Bureau and Job Centre Plus.
Disconnection of your energy supply
It's rare for people to have their gas and electricity disconnected, because it really is a last resort for energy suppliers, but it can happen. Your supplier has to send you a disconnection notice before they can disconnect you, and it can't do that until at least 28 days after it sends your bill. It also has to give you at least seven days' written notice first.
If you're a pensioner, have long-term health problems, are disabled or have serious financial problems, there are extra measures in place to protect you against being disconnected.
