There can be many reasons why a householder can get into
fuel debt with their energy supplier.
Agreed payments made weekly or monthly maybe too low for the
amount of energy used.
The home may not be adequately insulated and much of the heat is
escaping, therefore bills are higher to keep the temperature
consistent.
The estimated meter reading may not be accurate and not cover
the actual amount of energy supplied
In debt with fuel bills?
The first thing to do is contact your energy supplier to let
them know you are having difficulty paying your bill. It would help
if you could give an idea of how much you can afford to repay, and
then you can discuss with them and agree how you will repay the
debt. There are different ways of dealing with fuel debt please see
table overleaf.
Some Energy Suppliers have trust funds with millions of pounds
available to clear individual’s and families fuel debt.
EDF Energy (SWEB)
This trust fund is managed in this area by The Bristol Debt Advice
Centre and they will provide assistance to complete application
forms, to clear existing debt they will then help you to plan and
budget for your next energy bill. For further information please
contact Bristol Debt Advice
Centre Rhianne Cotterill Tel 0117 954 3544
British Gas
The British Gas Energy Trust provides grants to help individuals
and families in need to meet arrears of energy charges.
British Gas Energy
Trust Helen Mcleod Trust Relationship Manager Tel 01733
421021
N power Spreading Warmth Tel 0808 172 6999
Powergen Caring Energy Tel: 0845 301 4875
Bristol Water/Wessex Water
The Bristol/Wessex Water Company have an in house debt write of
scheme called Restart. The scheme is used for genuine ‘can't pay
and struggling’ customers. Designed to encourage better money
management through an agreed payment plan.
Wessex Water Tel:
084 600 3 600
Bristol Water
Tel: 01225 524311
Citizen Advice Bureau
The Citizen Advice Bureau in Wadham Street, Weston Super Mare may
also give advice on paying household debt. They have a drop-in
session between 10.00am & 3.00pm every weekday, except
Thursday, when there is a telephone advice line available 0870
121017 e-mail:
advice@nscab.org.uk
To maximise your income and therefore have more money available
to pay your fuel bills, you could check to see if you are claiming
all the benefits you are entitled to.
Fuel Switching
If you think you are paying too much for your fuel bills you may
benefit from switching supplier. The following web sites
& telephone numbers may be useful
Consumer
Direct Tel: 08454 04 05 06
U Switch Tel 0845 601
2856
Simply Switch Tel 08000
111 395
Priority Services Register
There are free services available for gas and electricity customers
across the UK. If you are a domestic customer and one or more of
the following applies to you:
- Pensionable age
- Have a disability
- Have long term ill health
- Are blind or visually impaired
You will qualify for the register, every gas and electricity
supplier has a register, to join contact your own energy supplier
or ring 0845 6012989
Western
Power Priority Customer Tel: 01208 892 235
e-mail
wpdpriorityservices@westernpower.co.uk
