Getting into energy debt can be extremely worrying, but there is help out there.
Dealing with energy debt involves a number of important steps, and the first one is to stop overpaying for your energy.
If you owe less than £500 and you're on a prepayment meter you can switch to a cheaper deal (this was recently upped from the previous limit of £200 in September 2012). If you owe more than £500, you will not be able to switch until you pay down your debt.
If you're on a standard meter and you're in debt to your supplier, you may be able to switch. Ofgem is working with suppliers to minimise the number of switches blocked due to debt. Download our free energy debt factsheet at the bottom of the page for more information.
Energy debt - What to do
If you're in energy debt, or you're finding it tough to keep up with your gas and electricity bills, then your first port of call should always be your energy supplier.
Call them or write to them to discuss the situation and find out what they can do to help you. 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.
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.
Prepayment meters
If you're facing the prospect of being disconnected, your energy supplier may suggest that you switch to a prepayment meter.
A prepayment meter allows you to pay off your energy debt at the same time as you pay for the gas and electricity you use.
You prepay for your energy with a token, key or smartcard that you 'top-up' like a pay as you go mobile phone.
If the money you top-up your prepayment meter with runs out, you will not be able to get gas or electricity. Prepayment meters can 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. Find out more about prepayment meters .
Social energy tariffs
All energy suppliers offer something called 'social energy tariffs'. These tariffs offer discounted energy bills to customers who are elderly, live in fuel poverty, are on benefits or have a very low income. Find out more about social energy tariffs .
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 - the worst case scenario
It's rare for people to have their gas and electricity disconnected, because it really is a last resort for energy suppliers.
Your supplier has to send you a disconnection notice before they can disconnect you, and they can't send this until at least 28 days after they send your bill. They also have to give you at least seven days written notice first.
If you are 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.
Look at the bigger picture
If energy debt isn't the only kind of debt you are struggling with, you may want to think about getting assistance with your wider financial problems.
Our debt help centre has tools, guides and articles to give you a better understanding of your situation, and can identify debt help options that are right for you.