About this guide
Help with gas, electricity, water and essential utility bills, including supplier payment support and extra help for vulnerable households.
Contact the supplier early
Ofgem says energy suppliers can consider payment plans, payment breaks or reductions, reviews of current payments and debt repayments, and access to hardship funds.
OFGEM — GET HELP WITH ENERGY BILLSSupplier grants and hardship funds
Ask whether your supplier has a grant or hardship scheme that can help with current energy costs, energy debt or energy-efficiency measures.
Priority Services Register
People who are disabled, have health conditions, are pregnant, have young children, are of pensionable age or have other temporary or long-term support needs may be able to join a Priority Services Register for extra support.
PRIORITY SERVICES REGISTERWater bills
Water support differs by company and nation. Ask your water provider about social tariffs, debt support, payment plans and schemes for customers with high essential water use.
If you cannot afford essentials
Check benefits, local welfare support and debt advice as well as speaking to the supplier. If energy debt is part of wider financial difficulty, deal with priority bills first and get free debt advice.
CHECK BENEFITSMONEYHELPER