Preventing fuel poverty and managing energy debt.

Fuel poverty is a concern for many households and helping to reduce fuel poverty is a mission for the Energy Redress team at DRC.

A household is said to be in fuel poverty if their fuel costs are above average and their income after housing and fuel costs is below the poverty line.

Falling behind with your energy payments will plunge you into what is know as priority debt. Other priority debts include mortgage, rent and council tax arrears.

If this is the case and you are struggling to find a solution to clear your energy debt speak to one of Energy Redress Advisors at DRC who can offer advice and guidance as to your options.

It may be that we signpost you to other services but either way we will guide you to the best possible solution for you in your current circumstances. We will then encourage you to think about how we can avoid this situation going forward.

The team can chat through your circumstances with you, evaluate your income and help you to apply for grants, discounts and schemes. They will talk with you about your eligibility for such things as the Priority Services Register and can act on your behalf throughout providing you give signed consent.

Grants, discounts and other support

What is the Priority Services Register?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service provided by suppliers and network operators to ensure that those most vulnerable people can get help when they need it most.

You are eligible for the PSR if you:

• are of pensionable age
• are disabled or chronically sick
• have a long-term medical condition
• have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs
• are in a vulnerable situation e.g. people with certain mental health conditions which make it difficult for them to understand their bill; people who cannot top up their prepayment meter due to injury; temporary circumstances where you might need extra support for a limited amount of time.

You may also be eligible for priority services from your supplier and/or network operator if you live with a child under five years old.

Important information about how to get on the register

You will need to contact your energy supplier to get on the PSR and it is important to note that each energy supplier and network operator maintains its own register. Therefore, if you get your gas an electricity from different suppliers you need to notify them both.

You can ask your supplier to pass your details on to your network operator, especially if you are dependent on your supply for medical reasons or if you have children under five years old.

Remember, if you switch supplier, you’ll need to register for the service again with the new supplier.

The Warm Home Discount

You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter under the Warm Home Discount Scheme however the current scheme is now closed.

The money is not paid to you but is a one-off discount on your electricity bill between September and March. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity however you will need to contact them for a decision.

The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment if you are in receipt of these.

There are 2 ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:

• you get the Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit : the ‘core group

• you are on low income and meet your energy providers criteria : the broader group

How you apply for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depends on how you qualify for the discount but you can click the buttons and follow the links for more information

Pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meters

You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter.

Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible, for example a voucher you can use to top up your meter.

British Gas Energy Saving Trust

The British Gas Energy Saving Trust can help with energy debt providing you meet the criteria.

You don’t have to be a British Gas customer but to be considered for the grant you must meet the following criteria:

• You live in England, Scotland or Wales;
• You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years;
• You have a current energy account in your name or be a member of that household;
• You have electric and/or gas debt;
• You do not have savings above £5,000; and
• You have received help from a money advice agency.

You must apply directly for a grant however should you need support with this remember our Energy Redress Advisors are on hand to help.