Can't Afford Your Energy Bills
If your energy bills have become unmanageable, you are not alone — millions of UK households are in the same position. Your energy provider is required to help, and there are specific schemes designed for exactly this situation.
Immediate Help Available
1. Contact Your Provider's Hardship Fund
Every major energy provider operates a hardship fund that can write off part or all of your energy debt. These are not advertised on bills — you need to ask for them.
2. Warm Home Discount (£150)
A one-off discount applied directly to your electricity bill. You may qualify if you:
- Receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- Are on a low income and meet your provider's criteria
Applications typically open between October and March.
3. Fuel Vouchers
If you have a pre-payment meter and cannot top up, your provider or local council may be able to provide fuel vouchers for emergency credit.
4. Priority Services Register
A free service that gives extra protection:
- Advance notice of planned power cuts
- Priority reconnection after power cuts
- Protection from disconnection in certain circumstances
If You're Self-Disconnecting
If you have a pre-payment meter and are going without heating or electricity because you cannot afford to top up, tell your provider immediately. This is called self-disconnection and providers are required to take action, including:
- Providing emergency credit
- Reducing your debt repayment rate on the meter
- Issuing fuel vouchers
- Applying hardship fund payments
Reducing Your Bills
- Check you are on the cheapest available tariff — ask your provider
- Apply for the Warm Home Discount if eligible
- Contact your council about Local Welfare Assistance for emergency help
- Check with Turn2us for grants from charitable trusts
Energy Debt Payment Plans
Your provider must offer a payment plan you can afford. If they don't:
- 1Make a formal complaint in writing
- 2If not resolved in 8 weeks, contact the Energy Ombudsman (0330 440 1624)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my energy be disconnected?
Disconnection is a last resort. Ofgem's rules prohibit disconnection during winter for vulnerable customers. If you are engaging with your provider and attempting to pay, disconnection is extremely unlikely. Pre-payment meter users who cannot top up are 'self-disconnecting' — providers must help in this situation.
What counts as vulnerable for the Priority Services Register?
You may qualify if you are over 65, have a disability or long-term health condition, have young children, are pregnant, or have a mental health condition. The criteria are broad — it's worth applying even if you're unsure.
How do I find out about energy grants?
Contact your energy provider and ask specifically about their hardship fund and any grants available. You can also check Turn2us (turn2us.org.uk) which has a searchable database of grants from charitable trusts.
Related Guides
Energy Hardship Letter Template
Free energy hardship letter template. Request help from your gas or electricity provider including hardship funds, payment plans, and the Warm Home Discount.
Warm Home Discount — £150 Off Your Energy Bill
Check if you qualify for the £150 Warm Home Discount. Eligibility criteria, how to apply, and when the scheme opens.
Sources & Further Reading
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