Help With Energy Bills

Written by Becky on Thursday 7 January 2010

Get Help With Energy Bills In 2010

As the snow, ice and cold weather continues to cause havoc this week, people could be feeling financial strain when their next energy bills come through the post, as the UK uses more gas and electricity than usual in the struggle to keep warm.

According to research collected by The Scottish Power Energy People Trust there are over 2 million households throughout Britain already living in fuel poverty, spending more than 10% of their monthly income on basic energy needs (which, especially during Winter of course, includes keeping warm).

Finding help with energy bills is clearly becoming increasingly important.

Energy Suppliers and Charities that Offer Funding

If you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, Payplan recommends checking with your supplier to find out what help is available from them first.

British Gas Energy Trust

The British Gas Energy Trust offers grants to individuals and families in need, to cover arrears of energy charges and other household bills and costs.

To be eligible for an energy grant you must be a customer of British Gas or Scottish Gas.

Additionally, a winter fuel rebate of up to £90 may be available to British Gas’ most vulnerable customers.

Please contact The British Gas Trust for further information.

EDF Energy Trust Fund

EDF Energy currently fund the EDF Energy Trust, offering grants to people who have electricity, gas, telephone and other essential household bill debts.

To see if you qualify for a grant contact The EDF Energy Trust’s website for more information.

Government Schemes

The Government also offer help with various benefit and schemes to help those most vulnerable. If you are over 60 years old, you may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. Claims for the Winter 09/10 must be made by 30 March, 2010.

The Government also offer other energy efficient money saving schemes such as free loft and cavity wall insulation and the recent Boiler Scrappage Scheme that has been introduced for this year.

For further information you can also visit the Direct.gov website.

Free Debt Advice

If you’re struggling to afford your monthly utility bills contact Payplan today for free advice on how to manage your debts.

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