Energy Hardship Letter Template
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, writing to your provider can unlock support that is not always advertised. All major energy suppliers have hardship funds and are required by Ofgem to help customers in financial difficulty.
What Support Energy Companies Must Offer
Under Ofgem rules, your energy provider must:
- Offer a payment plan you can afford
- Consider writing off some of your debt through their hardship fund
- Not disconnect you if you are in a vulnerable situation
- Offer you the most appropriate tariff for your usage
- Add you to the Priority Services Register if you qualify
Types of Support Available
Hardship Funds
Most large energy suppliers operate hardship funds that can write off part or all of your energy debt. These are not well advertised — you need to ask specifically.
| Provider | Fund Name |
|---|---|
| British Gas | British Gas Energy Trust |
| EDF | EDF Customer Support Fund |
| E.ON | E.ON Energy Fund |
| Scottish Power | Scottish Power Hardship Fund |
| OVO Energy | OVO Energy Fund |
Warm Home Discount
A £150 one-off discount on your electricity bill. You may qualify if you receive Pension Credit or have a low income. Applications typically open in autumn.
Winter Fuel Payment
A tax-free payment of £100–£300 for those of State Pension age, paid automatically if you receive a qualifying benefit.
What to Include in Your Letter
- Your account number and meter type
- The amount you owe
- Your current income and why you are struggling
- A request for hardship fund assessment
- A request to check you are on the best available tariff
- Whether you are at risk of self-disconnection (pre-payment meter users)
If You Have a Pre-Payment Meter
If you have a pre-payment meter and are unable to top up (self-disconnecting), tell your provider immediately. They are required to help and may:
- Apply emergency credit
- Set up a fuel voucher
- Adjust your repayment rate
- Refer you to their hardship fund
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my energy company disconnect me?
Disconnection is a last resort and cannot happen during winter for vulnerable customers. If you are engaging with your provider and attempting to pay, disconnection is very unlikely. If you have a pre-payment meter, you may self-disconnect if you cannot top up — contact your provider immediately if this happens.
How do I apply for an energy hardship fund?
Contact your energy provider directly and ask about their hardship fund. You may need to complete an income and expenditure form. Some providers also accept referrals from debt advice charities like StepChange.
What is the Priority Services Register?
A free service that gives extra support to people who are elderly, disabled, have young children, or are in other vulnerable situations. Benefits can include advance notice of power cuts, special assistance during emergencies, and protection from disconnection.
Can I switch energy providers if I have debt?
If you owe less than £500, most providers will allow you to switch and the debt will transfer to your new provider. If you owe more than £500, you may need to clear some of the debt first or agree a payment plan before switching.
Related Guides
Hardship Letter for Credit Card Debt
Free hardship letter template for credit card debt. Generate a professional letter requesting reduced payments, interest freeze, or a payment plan from your credit card provider.
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.
Can't Afford Your Energy Bills
Struggling with gas or electricity bills? Guide to energy hardship funds, payment plans, Warm Home Discount, and fuel vouchers in the UK.
Sources & Further Reading
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