May 17th 2024.
If you're a British Gas customer and you're struggling to pay your energy bills, there may be some good news for you. British Gas has recently launched a new scheme called You Pay: We Pay, where they will match the amount you can afford to pay each month with an equal credit top-up for six months. This scheme will run from June to November and the company will be contacting eligible customers in the coming weeks.
The only requirement for this scheme is that customers must continue to make monthly payments, but only as much as they can afford. The more you pay, the more free credit British Gas will give you. For example, if you pay £100 a month, you will end up paying £600 over six months. But British Gas will then give you an extra £600 credit to help clear any outstanding debt.
Chris O'Shea, the boss at British Gas' parent company Centrica, said that the aim of this scheme is to "wipe the debt slate clean" for customers who are struggling to keep up with their bills. He also acknowledged that many households are still facing a cost-of-living crisis and it can be difficult to pay for essentials and clear debts. The company hopes that this scheme will help customers recover from this period of high inflation.
The rising cost-of-living has put a strain on many customers, according to Richard Lane from the debt advice charity StepChange. He described it as "devastating" and said that it has pushed more families into debt. Lane also mentioned that many households will need support to clear any arrears that have built up, in order to avoid being trapped in debt and financial hardship.
To fund this scheme, British Gas has set aside £15million, adding to the £140million already ring-fenced to support households living in fuel poverty. Eligible customers do not need to apply for this scheme, as British Gas will contact them directly. The company will then conduct an assessment with a specialist advisor to determine if the customer qualifies for the extra credit. To be eligible, customers must be in or facing fuel poverty, have obtained or will obtain debt advice, have been a British Gas customer for at least six months, and pre-agree on a payment amount following the assessment.
If you're not a British Gas customer, there are still other options available for help with energy bills. The British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity funded by British Gas, offers support to households across the UK who are up to £1,500 behind on their energy bills. Other energy suppliers also offer similar schemes to help customers struggling with energy bills, such as Scottish Power's hardship fund and E.on Next Energy Fund. Customers can contact their supplier's customer service to inquire about their options.
If you're worried about debt, there are many charities and organisations that offer free and confidential advice. The government's moneyhelper.org.uk service has a tool to help you find a free debt adviser near you. Some of the organisations that offer debt advice include StepChange Debt Charity, PayPlan, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, Debt Advice Foundation, and Turn2Us. Richard Lane from StepChange emphasised the importance of both financial support and access to debt advice during difficult times.
If you have a story to share about your experience with energy bills and debt, you can get in touch by emailing [email]. Remember, there is help available for those who need it.
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