Utility Bills & Energy Debt Help

Utility provider arrears

Energy bills and other utilities are priority bills and falling behind with their payments can put you in arrears. These can quickly spiral out of control, particularly now when the cost of living has never been higher. There are options available to help with repayment towards current arrears and your existing supplier can provide you with more information. If you have arrears with previous suppliers, speak to one of our advisors who can provide you with advice based on your current personal circumstances.

Key facts about utility bills

Energy arrears are priority debts and will need to be settled ahead of other debts

Contact your supplier as soon as you experience financial difficulties, they may have options available to help you

You may be threatened with supply disconnection if you don’t contact your supplier

Make an offer you can afford alongside your regular utility payments

Utility Bill Advice

What to do if you’re in arrears

It is important to talk to your supplier as soon as you can
Your supplier is required to help you under regulator rules
Emergency credit may be available
Research cost of living payments and government support
Consider seeking impartial debt advice

What causes utility bill arrears?

Suppliers increasing their prices without you realising
Suppliers base bills on estimated usage for the year, so mistakes made here can result in the accruement of debt
Seasonal surges can cause hikes in bills, increasing the risk of debt

Do you need help with bills?

You may be eligible for benefits or be able to increase your current benefits
Speak to the supplier as they may permit you to take a payment holiday or pay in smaller amounts
Do not ignore letters or bills regarding your debts
Try to avoid borrowing money to pay your bills, as this can see your debt start to spiral out of control

How to stay on top of bills

Set up a direct debit to pay your bills as they are issued
Install a smart meter to provide accurate bills and avoid inflated estimated usage charges
Manage energy usage efficiently
Remember that bills may increase during the winter months
Use a price comparison site to check for cheaper rates

What Bailiffs...

It is important to talk to your supplier as soon as you can
Your supplier is required to help you under regulator rules
Emergency credit may be available
Research cost of living payments and government support
Consider seeking impartial debt advice

Suppliers increasing their prices without you realising
Suppliers base bills on estimated usage for the year, so mistakes made here can result in the accruement of debt
Seasonal surges can cause hikes in bills, increasing the risk of debt

What Bailiffs...

You may be eligible for benefits or be able to increase your current benefits
Speak to the supplier as they may permit you to take a payment holiday or pay in smaller amounts
Do not ignore letters or bills regarding your debts
Try to avoid borrowing money to pay your bills, as this can see your debt start to spiral out of control

Set up a direct debit to pay your bills as they are issued
Install a smart meter to provide accurate bills and avoid inflated estimated usage charges
Manage energy usage efficiently
Remember that bills may increase during the winter months
Use a price comparison site to check for cheaper rates

How can I manage utility bill debt?

Managing your bills each month can help you budget for any sudden or unexpected price hikes by energy suppliers.

If you do find yourself in utility bill arrears, however, contact your supplier immediately to discuss repayment plans and consider seeking impartial debt advice.

Final points to consider

Do you feel as though you need help with your finances? A debt management plan can help you do just that, reducing your stress and worry immediately.

As a leading debt management company, Fresh Start UK deals with thousands of cases each year and is able to provide our clients with confidential advice to prevent debts from becoming insurmountable. Get in touch with us today to find out more.