Winter can be cold and dark. Are you having difficulty affording to heat your home? At CARBS we often see clients who are. Sometimes people can’t pay their gas and electricity bills and get into arrears. If the arrears aren’t paid, the energy company may pass the debt on to a debt collection agency.
It’s very important not to let things get worse. Here are some things to think about:
If you’re not in arrears but finding things difficult, try to get a better deal:
Vicky’s Story
Vicky* rang Citizens Advice when she was struggling with energy arrears and a low income. She had agreed to a payment plan she couldn’t afford and it was putting an impossible strain on the household budget. Vicky was really stressed. One of our advisers spoke to Vicky’s energy company and negotiated a new payment plan that took into account her other living expenses. She is now paying off what she can afford and is in a much better position to manage her household finances.
Charity help
You may be able to get charitable help to pay off gas and electricity debts. CARBS works with local charities to help the most vulnerable and those with priority need. To find out more about help available from local charities, or check if you could save on your energy bills give us a call or drop in to talk.
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Check our full online advice on all aspects of energy bills or give us a call. Our trained advisers can help with all energy problems.
* Representative story of someone with energy debts. Client confidentiality is never breached.