How your energy provider can help you save up to £2,000 on your bill

The cold season has started, and with it unwanted increase in heating costs Like people try and stay warm.

Millions of people across Britain are struggling with this high energy prices This year, this Christmas has become difficult for many people due to the rising cost of living.

There are many avenues of help available For those looking to reduce costs this winter, one of the lesser known options comes from the energy providers themselves.

Under Ofcom rules, all major energy companies must offer support struggling customersWith multiple schemes on offer. This ranges from freebies like electric blankets and efficiency upgrades to cash grants and loan waivers.

For those who find themselves behind on their bills, it is always advisable to contact energy providers as soon as possible to find out what assistance is available. Usually all allow customers to negotiate the payment plan they can afford, but in some circumstances, up to £2,000 is offered to defray the costs.

Here’s what the six largest UK energy providers have to offer:

British Gas Trust

Through the British Gas Trust, grants are available to both customers and non-customers of the energy provider of the same name. While British Gas funds the Trust, it is independent from the company.

British Gas customers can get up to £2,000 from the trust’s ‘Energy Support Fund (ESF)’, while non-customers can get up to £1,700 from its ‘Individuals and Families Fund (I&F)’.

Energy Assistance Fund

The British Gas Trust provides this fund to British Gas credit and prepayment meter customers. Applicants must not have received a grant from the Trust within the last 12 months, and must have outstanding debts of between £250 and £2,000.

The Trust requires applicants to submit their account balance for assessment – ​​if it exceeds the £2,000 limit, the application will be refused.

Individual and Family Fund

Customers of other energy providers can apply for this fund from the British Gas Trust, provided they have not received a grant from the charity within the last two years.

Prepayment customers will have to pay at least £50 in energy credit, while credit account customers will have to pay £250 – and both up to £1,700. They must have a household income of less than £20,328, and/or live in the household with someone who receives disability benefits or carer’s allowance, and/or have three or more children.

Importantly, customers of other large energy providers who have their own energy support funds can only apply if they have been rejected by their providers’ scheme.

More details are available here British Gas Trust website.

British Gas said: “Tackling energy debt and fuel poverty is a priority for us and we are making sure support is available when it is needed most. We have pledged £140 million, the UK’s largest voluntary energy support package, to ensure no one faces these challenges alone.”

octopus

To help people during the energy crisis, Octopus has set up its ‘Octopus Assist’ program – a £40 million fund that provides a variety of support. The energy provider says this includes grants, permanent fee holidays and loan forgiveness for those in “greatest need”.

What’s on offer is decided on a case-by-case basis, with customers invited to explain their income and expenditure to apply. Octopus says it has supported more than 100,000 customers through the fund so far.

The energy provider also runs its own ‘You Pay, We Pay’ initiative, which sees it match every additional payment a debt-laden customer makes to help reduce their debt over time.

Pensioners in need could also get a lump sum of £200 to help them, while vulnerable customers are offered free electric blankets to stay warm and reduce bills.

For full details of what Octopus has to offer customers You can visit the provider’s website.

A spokesperson for Octopus Energy said: “We are committed to reducing our customers’ bills while also ensuring that support is always available to those who need it.

“We urge our customers to contact us if they are struggling, as we have lots of different ways to help – from thermal imaging cameras, to free strength sessions and electric blankets.”

ovo

OVO has pledged £56 million towards its ‘additional support package’, which provides year-round support and additional support over the winter.

Subject to eligibility, applicants can avail of direct debit deductions, emergency credit top-ups and extended repayment plans. OVO also offers free energy saving products like electric throws and free energy efficiency home upgrades to help lower bills.

For full details on what is on offer for OVO customers You can visit the provider’s website.

A spokesperson for OVO said: “Our teams are always ready to assist customers. We are providing support to those who need it most by working closely with our charity partners and offering our additional support packages.”

e.on next

E.ON Next customers are able to apply for assistance through the company’s Energy Fund. It may provide grants to assist with bills and debts as well as replacement equipment.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must pass the three-month provisional award scheme, and be able to cover their average monthly energy usage. During this time, E.ON will make payments on any debts and – provided all payments have been made – the loan will be paid off.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, but the energy company asks for proof of any benefits received by any adults in the household, as well as medical proof of any disability or health condition.

The company also offers affordable payment plans, variable loan repayment rates, and temporary repayment credits for those in need.

For complete information about what is on offer, visit E.ON. Customer You can visit the provider’s website.

edf

EDF customers are able to apply for additional assistance through the provider’s Customer Assistance Fund. It may provide grants to deal with debts and replace equipment.

This fund is available to customers who are struggling with debt and need help becoming financially stable. EDF says applicants must demonstrate that they are committed to being financially stable by making regular payments for ongoing energy use.

Successful applicants will be required to set up a repayment plan with the French energy company, during which they will suspend any loan activity. If sufficient payments are made within this period, the loan will be fully repaid.

The energy company asks for proof of benefits being received by any adult in the household and medical proof of any disability or health condition.

For full details of what EDF has to offer customers You can visit the provider’s website.

scottishpower

ScottishPower has pledged more than £60m to its hardship fund, which is designed to help customers take control of their finances, and be able to repay or reduce arrears.

To be eligible, most applicants will need to be in receipt of qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit or ESA. In exceptional circumstances, ScottishPower says it will accept applications from people on low incomes, but will not claim qualifying benefits.

The company also offers affordable installment plans, pay as you go, and the option to adjust on-demand payments using its app.

For full details of what ScottishPower is offering to customers You can visit the provider’s website.

For more help on the cost of living this winter and beyond, visit The Independent’s regularly updated guide