We all need it, especially in these colder months. But with the increased costs of living, many of us stretch our money to pay rising energy bills.
The latest annual report by Ofgem on Suppliers' Social Obligations shows that a total of 1.9 million customers were in debt on their electricity or gas payments. This is around one in every 17 customers who owe an average of more than £300 to their energy provider.
Between July and September last year just over 39,000 people contacted Citizens Advice for information and guidance on fuel debts. However, there is more help out there. Most people may perhaps be unaware that all major utility companies have established Charitable Trusts to help assist consumers who need a little financial support.
Primarily based on relieving fuel poverty these Trusts also provide help ranging from boiler repair and advice on managing your finances to support for buying energy efficient household items. We've listed below the Trusts that we are aware of, if you know of any others please leave us a comment.
- NPower
- British Gas
- EDF
- Anglian Water
- Severn Trent Water
- The Southern Water
- South East Water
- South Staffordshire Water
- United Utilities
- Thames Water
By accessing these support networks you can reduce the damage caused to your property through lack of heat and the potential for rent arrears if you have to juggle money to pay energy bills at this time of year. To further help reduce fuel bills you can also make little changes within your home, see our post 10 Steps to Saving Energy This Winter.
For Landlords who do not have the resources available to support Tenants through periods of rent arrears we offer a full property management service with guaranteed rent; you can find out more by visiting our website.
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