Citizens Advice says it helped one person every 40 seconds with a fuel debt problem in the last quarter of 2021 – 40% up on the period in 2020.
But what should you do if you are in debt with your energy supplier, have fallen behind with repayments or are fearful that you will?
Here, with help from Citizens Advice, we explain all...
Q What happens if I’m behind with payments?
A First, contact your supplier but if you can’t find an initial solution with them, you can clear your debt over time through a repayment plan.
Rules state it has to be realistic and sustainable, meaning you will pay what you can afford.
You will have to give them details about your income and outgoings, other debts and circumstances.
Q What if I can’t afford the payment plan?
A Go back to your supplier if you’re struggling to afford the negotiated repayments, as they may alter them.
If you don’t, they might make you have a prepayment meter installed instead.
Q Are there any other options available?
A It’s not ideal but, if you are on certain benefits, you can have debt deducted from what you get.
Under the Fuel Direct Scheme, a fixed amount is automatically taken from your benefits to cover what you owe, plus extra for your current use.
To be eligible, you must be on one of the following benefits: Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit (but only if you are not working). The Job centre will set it up.
Q What can I do if I can’t afford to top up my prepayment meter?
A If you have run out of gas or electricity, your energy supplier should give you temporary credit.
They might add the temporary credit to your meter automatically, while some suppliers will need to send someone to do it – and that may add a fee.
Suppliers might agree to give more if they are satisfied you are vulnerable.
This is to help reduce the number of prepayment customers who go without energy or “self-disconnect” after running out of credit. You’ll still need to repay the money, probably a bit each time you top up your meter.
Q I’ve got a standard meter and I’m in debt – can my supplier disconnect me?
A If you haven’t paid a bill after 28 days, your supplier may contact you about the possibility of disconnecting your gas or electricity supply. It’s rare to be disconnected as your supplier will usually offer to install a prepayment meter instead.
They must give you a chance to pay your debt through a payment plan.
Suppliers are not allowed to disconnect you between October 1 and March 31 – the coldest months – if you are a pensioner living alone, or a pensioner with children under five living with you.
Six suppliers – British Gas, EDF Energy, npower, E.on, Scottish Power and SSE – have also agreed not to disconnect customers at any time of the year if they have a disability, long-term health problems, severe financial problems or young children at home.
If you can’t reach an agreement with your supplier on clearing your debt, they can apply to a court for a warrant to enter your home to disconnect you.
As an aside, if you have a smart energy meter then your supplier could be able to disconnect the supply remotely without needing to access it.
Q What other help is there available?
A You could get £140 off your electricity bill, or a £140 voucher for your prepayment meter, under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
To be eligible, you need to get the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit or be on a low income.
Plus there is the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter months.
You can usually get it if you were born on or before September 26, 1955.
Most big suppliers also give grants if you are in debt.
The British Gas Energy Trust, for example, gives grants regardless of whether you are a customer.
And of course you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
