What help is available for paying energy bills?

If you're worried about affording your gas or electricity bills, your energy supplier has to help — and many offer more support than people realise.

Here's what to ask for, plus where else to turn if you need extra help.

Help from your energy provider

If you're struggling financially, your energy provider must offer support, especially if you're finding it difficult to meet your payments each month.

Start by creating a budget. List all your monthly incomings and outgoings, and if you notice that you're struggling, contact your energy provider right away. They can help you by setting up a tailored payment plan or offering a short-term payment break. Remember, while a payment break may affect your credit score, this impact is less severe than missing payments altogether.

If you use a prepayment meter and are unable to top up, you can ask your supplier for emergency credit. Ofgem requires suppliers to offer help in times of financial difficulty.

Supplier hardship funds

Most large energy suppliers run their own hardship or support funds, on top of what they're required to offer. These can be worth checking even if you've already spoken to your supplier about a payment plan.

• British Gas Energy Trust: Runs two funds — the Energy Support Fund for existing British Gas customers (grants typically £50–£1,700 for prepayment meter debt, or £250–£2,000 for credit account debt), and the Individuals and Families Fund, open to anyone regardless of supplier (grants typically up to £1,500–£2,000, subject to a household income or disability/carer test).
• E.ON Next Energy Fund: Financial help with bills or a replacement appliance for E.ON Next customers experiencing hardship
• Octopus Energy's Octo Assist Fund: A £40 million fund offering bill credit, standing charge waivers, free electric blankets and other support for Octopus customers most in need
• Other suppliers — most major providers, including EDF, OVO, and Scottish Power, run similar schemes. It's worth checking your own supplier's website directly, as eligibility and funding levels change throughout the year.

Discretionary supplier support

Beyond formal hardship funds, many suppliers can also offer day-to-day flexibility if you're struggling — even if you don't meet the criteria for a grant. This might include:

• Payment matching (where the supplier matches what you can afford to pay)
• Reduced or paused Direct Debits while you get back on track
• More flexible repayment plans for existing arrears
• Informal support such as budgeting advice or a temporary freeze on debt recovery action

These options are generally offered on a case-by-case basis, so it's worth contacting your provider directly and explaining your situation, even if you've already been turned down for a hardship fund grant.

Fuel vouchers for prepayment meters

If you're struggling to top up your prepayment meter, you may be eligible for fuel vouchers through your energy supplier or local council. These vouchers help cover the cost of gas or electricity. You can apply via Citizens Advice or your local authority, and vouchers can be used at specific shops to credit your meter.

Energy efficiency schemes

There are several energy efficiency schemes to help reduce long-term energy bills.

You may be able to apply for grants which can help with home insulation, upgrading to more efficient boilers, or even fitting renewable energy sources like solar panels. ECO4, the main scheme funding this, is due to close on 31 December 2026, with a new £15 billion Warm Homes Plan taking over from January 2027 — so it's worth checking which scheme applies at the time you read this.

Government support

Alongside supplier help, there's a range of government schemes that can reduce your bills — including the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, and Cold Weather Payments. For the full, up-to-date picture on government support, see our Cost of Living Payments guide.

Advice from a debt charity

Charities such as Citizens Advice, StepChange and MoneyHelper can offer you free, non-judgmental advice. They can also help to advise on budgeting, negotiate with energy providers, and assist you with applying for available benefits.

What happens if I stop paying my energy bills?

Unpaid bills could result in missed payments being reported on your credit file, damaging your credit score.

In the worst-case scenario, your energy supplier could pursue legal action to file a CCJ against you for the money you owe.

This shouldn't happen if you speak to your supplier and flag up that you are in financial difficulty. The earlier you do this, the better. Your energy provider may offer support such as a payment plan while you get your finances back on track.