Energy Debt

Four steps to avoid fuel debt

1. Improve the energy efficiency of your home.
2. Check that you are claiming all of the benefits that you are entitled to.
3. If you're unable to pay your bill contact your supplier and let them know.
4. Provide your supplier with a monthly meter reading to ensure you receive an accurate bill.

For those who are worried about rising bills, for free, impartial and local energy advice, contact Warmer Derby and Derbyshire on 0800 677 1332 or email wdd@mea.org.uk

They can also provide advice on insulation and energy efficiency grants.

If you are in arrears with your energy supplier and are experiencing hardship then you may be able to get help and support from various energy trusts.

British Gas Energy Trust

If you are experiencing extreme hardship with exceptional vulnerabilities, and are in debt with your energy supplier, you may be able to get help from the British Gas Energy Trust (both customer and non-customers of British Gas can apply).

For more information or to make an application visit www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk

EDF Energy Trust

The EDF Energy Trust awards grants to individuals and families to:

• Clear domestic gas and electricity debts owed to EDF Energy.
• Purchase essential energy efficient household items, e.g. washing machines, cookers.
• Bankruptcy/DRO, Sequestration and Minimal Asset Process fees.

For more information visitwww.edfenergytrust.org.uk

E.On Energy Fund

If you are a current or previous E.On customer then the E.On energy fund may be able to help you if you are in arrears with your energy bills. They might also be able to help with the replacement of white good items such as cookers, washing machines, fridges and fridge freezers or help to replace or repair gas, calor gas and oil boilers.

For more information visit www.eonnextenergyfund.com/ or call 03303 80 10 90

Community oil buying scheme

Rural Action Derbyshire operates a community oil buying scheme that provides people who use oil to heat their house with the opportunity to obtain it at a lower price. This scheme operates across Derbyshire and is open to individuals and businesses.

For more information tel: 01629 824797.