The energy firms including British Gas and EDF Energy giving coronavirus-hit customers extra help with bills
BRITS who are struggling to pay their energy bills due to the coronavirus may be eligible to get help from their supplier.
Workers have been advised to self-isolate if they've come into contact with someone infected with coronavirus, fallen ill with symptoms of it, or travelled to an affected area.
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This could lead to higher energy bills as the consumption will be higher, while you may also lose pay if you're not eligible to receive sick pay.
So what help can you get from suppliers? We've asked the big six energy firms and the two biggest challenger suppliers - below are their policies.
What support is energy suppliers offering?
British Gas
The big six energy supplier said it may push back bill dates for customers who've been affected by the coronavirus, or remove debt charges for late payments.
Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis, although the support particularly applies to vulnerable customers.
If you're on a prepayment meter, British Gas advises you to top up on the phone using its automated service or online.
Customers with a traditional prepayment meter can access emergency credit on their meter, which may last during the isolation period.
If you run out of emergency credit before your isolation period ends, make sure you contact British Gas to discuss your options.
EDF Energy
EDF Energy said it would consider delayed payments from anyone who is affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Other support it may offer includes repayments made over a longer period of time and alternative payment arrangements.
A spokesperson told The Sun that it wouldn't rule out giving the delay to both people who had self-isolated, fearing they might have contracted the virus or those people who were simply working from home.
If you're on a prepayment meter and in self isolation, it's worth asking a friend or family members if they can top up your meter.
If this isn't possible, EDF Energy said it's able to preload keys and cards with credit to then send through the post.
E.ON
E.ON also said it'll handle queries from customers on a case-by-case basis, and is encouraging customers to register to manage their accounts online wherever possible.
It added that it won't cut off your supply during the period for non-payment of bills.
Instead, it'll offer support which could include 30 days’ extra breathing space for making payments.
NPower
NPower said it's encouraging customers to register to manage their accounts online wherever possible.
If you need to self isolate and this affects your income and ability to pay for your energy, you should also contact the supplier for support.
NPower said it may offer payment arrangements, spreading your bills by direct debit over the year or the possibility of allowing 30 days' extra breathing space for making payments.
Where you may be struggling – for example if you’re off work or on shorter hours because of coronavirus – it'll also review how much you’re able to pay, taking your individual circumstances into account.
If you're in self isolation and can't top up your prepayment meter, you should contact the supplier as soon as possible.
Scottish Power
The provider hasn't yet got back to us with its policies, so we'll update this article once we hear back.
SSE
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, SSE is urging customers to get in touch, although it hasn't specified what support it may offer.
The energy supplier can be reached on 0345 070 7373 Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm, as well as on Saturdays between 9am-2pm.
Ovo Energy
Ovo Energy is also urging customers who are struggling financially to get in touch - although it hasn't specified what support it may offer.
The energy supplier can be reached on 0330 303 5063 Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm.
Bulb
Bulb said it has systems in place for vulnerable customers, which include alternative payment methods and longer repayment periods if they need additional support.
It's also contacted users with prepayment meters to give them advance help in case they need to self isolate, it added.
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What if I'm with another supplier?
No matter which supplier you're with, it's worth getting in touch if you end up in financial difficulties.
Your supplier has to help you come to a solution, so don't bury your head in the sand.
If you don’t try to negotiate with your supplier, they might threaten to disconnect your supply.
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