Shell Energy has launched a £5m hardship fund for customers struggling to pay their household energy bills.
The move comes after April 1's unprecedented £700-a-year rise in energy costs, which fell at the same time as a host of other bill increases, from council and car tax to water rates, came into force.
The multi-million pound funding will be used to help reduce debt for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The Mirror reports that if you're a Shell customer, you will need to get in touch with the company to be referred to its payment support scheme.
You will need to explain why you're struggling to meet your bills with an advisor from Shell Energy, who will discuss your situation.
Each grant will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, so there isn’t set criteria as such that you have to meet in order to receive the funding. You should contact Shell Energy's customer services on 0330 094 5800 or customer.services@shellenergy.co.uk in the first instance to discuss your circumstances.
Prepayment customers have been hit the hardest following April 1's 54% rise in the energy price cap, with a jump of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017. The price cap sets a limit on the rates a supplier can charge for each unit of gas and electric and is currently renewed twice year.
What help are other energy firms offering?
British Gas has an Energy Trust Fund that can be accessed by anyone - not just British Gas customers - providing you meet the eligibility criteria.
Help is also available from the following energy providers, if you’re an existing customer:
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
- E.on Energy Fund
- E.on Next Energy Fund
- Ovo Energy Fund
- Octo Assist Fund
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
Who is eligible for help?
The exact eligibility requirements vary between energy providers. In some cases, you’ll need to be claiming certain benefits to apply. Generally speaking, you’ll need to have spoken to a debt adviser first before applying, and you’ll have to show proof of your income and explain why you’re behind on your bills.
You can use the free grants tool from debt charity Turn2Us to see what help is available where you live.
Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? Let us know in the comments below.
