HOUSEHOLDS struggling to pay their spiralling energy bills can get up to £1,500 in free grants from their energy supplier.
Many energy suppliers have schemes in place offering you financial assistance if you're falling behind or owe money for your bills.
A number of energy giants have boosted the amount of cash help on offer as the number of people who are in debt to their supplier has soared.
Six million households now owe an average of £188 to their energy company.
Concerns have been raised that this number could rise when bills are set to rocket further later this year.
Ofgem's boss warned that the price cap, which limits how much suppliers can charge customers for energy, will rise to £2,800.
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It means that you'll want to be clued up on all the help available before any big bill spikes – we explain the grants you can get.
British Gas – up to £1,500
The British Gas Energy Trust can write off energy debts and hand out grants – and you don't have to be a customer to apply for help.
The maximum grant is usually £750, but those facing "exceptional circumstances" can get £1,500.
The average pay out is around £550 and the fund is open to applicants who are customers of ANY supplier.
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To get a grant you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and not have already been given a payout from the fund in the last two years.
You must been seeking to clear an outstanding debt on your energy account and not have savings of more than £1,000.
You can check the full eligibility criteria here. in our handy explainer
If you meet the eligibility criteria you can apply for a grant online.
Make sure you can provide proof of money advice received in the last three months, and your entire household income.
British Gas has a separate £6million fund just for its customers, which has less tough eligibility requirements.
Scottish Power – up to £750
Scottish Power will wipe off up to 40% off eligible customers' debts, capped at £750 per household.
Awards are only made to help with debts and are made to the energy account, so you won't receive a cash grant or money to put towards future energy use.
Its hardship fund has no deadline and you can make a claim every three years.
To receive a grant from the hardship fund you have to be a Scottish Power customer and prove that you're in financial hardship.
You could also be eligible if you are on the following benefits:
- Income Support,
- Job Seekers Allowance,
- Pension Credit, or
- Employment and Support Allowance
If you decide to make an application, you can do so through Social Enterprise Direct, which manages the scheme for Scottish Power.
Octopus Energy
Octopus customers can get cash grants of between £50 and £500.
The firm recently doubled its Octo Assist Fund to £5million to help hard-up households.
There is no specific eligibility criteria, but most customers who get help are in arrears on their bill.
The supplier speaks to every customer directly to decide if they can get a slice of the funding. It's decided on a case-by-case basis.
You can apply on the Octopus website by filling out its financial support form.
You'll be asked questions about your personal financial situation – so it's an idea to have information like bank statements and benefit entitlements to hand when applying.
E.on
The E.on Next Energy Fund can help customers through grants or by replacing an appliance such as a cooker, fridge or washing machine.
The supplier does not say how much you can get, but you'll need to be in financial hardship to be eligible.
You also need to show that you have made regular payments towards your energy bill over a three-month period.
You can apply online and will need to provide certain information like your proof of income and a recent meter reading.
Ovo
Ovo customers can apply for help through its energy fund if they have debt of at least £150 on their account, and an annual household income of £16,190 or less.
The supplier said it works with Citizens Advice to access applications.
You can apply online and should hear back within four to six weeks.
However, it says that its fund is "currently at capacity" on its website.
We've asked Ovo for more information on when the scheme will open to new applicants again and will update this story when we know more.
Ovo does not say how much money you can get, but says it will start by offering a one-hour telephone appointment with Citizens Advice to go through your options.
If you're not sure if your energy firm is offering help or whether you are eligible, it is best to contact it directly.
Shell
Shell launched a £5million hardship fund back in April and it can be used to reduce customers' debts too.
The supplier hasn't confirmed how much money each grant would be worth or the eligibility criteria, with help decided on a case-by-case basis.
You can contact Shell Energy's customer services on 0330 094 5800 or [email protected] to get more information and apply.
EDF
EDF boosted its energy grant funding pot to £10million in April.
It will give out money to help customers pay for energy bills, or to help them pay for energy efficient appliances.
You can apply online for EDF's customer support fund.
You'll have to fill in an online form – which you can do on its website.
Funding will be given on a case-by-case basis, and EDF said you must continue to pay your bills while your application is being processed.
Bulb
Bulb's energy help scheme is currently closed to new applicants due to "high demand".
We've asked Bulb when it expects to reopen the scheme again, and we will update you when we know more.
You can get money to put towards your bills worth up to £140, and you can get your debts cleared which is capped at £2,000.
The scheme could give you energy efficient appliances like a washing machine or fridge.
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