People who pay their energy bills by direct debit might owe their suppliers money, according to new research.
The latest Uswitch data reveals that those who pay by direct debit owe their suppliers an average of £206. This is a total of £1.2bn owed in the UK.
Amid these stark figures, experts have come up with a number of ways to negotiate if you can't pay your bills, reports the Liverpool Echo. Andy Kerr, from BOXT, said: "If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, the first thing you should do is contact your energy supplier to discuss ways to pay them what you owe.
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"Your energy supplier has to help you come to a solution, but ensure you negotiate a deal that works for you and your monthly budget. If you have asked to set up a payment plan, this will include what you owe plus an amount for your current use.
"Your supplier must take into account how much you can afford to pay and how much energy you’ll use in future, so make sure you have your monthly income and outgoings on hand, and also send regular meter readings and or get a smart meter installed so your bill is always based on accurate usage rather than an estimate.
"This means you’re less likely to be overpaying and also don't risk underpaying then getting a big catch-up bill further down the line."
There are also a number of schemes and grants available for people who are struggling. Examples of hardship funds or grants that you can get from the Government are:
- Winter Fuel Payment – for people born on or before September 25, 1956
- Cold Weather Payment – a £25 payment for every seven days of very cold weather (below freezing) between November and March
- Warm Home Discount – a £150 discount for some people getting Pension Credit or some people in low-income households
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