TENS of thousands of struggling energy customers can have their bills wiped and get a host of energy-saving gadgets this winter.
EDF Energy, one of the country's largest energy firms, will offer fresh support to those facing fuel poverty this winter.
The supplier will invest £29 million in a range of initiatives, including debt matching and write offs, as well as providing free energy-saving gadgets.
Debt matching allows struggling customers to get part of their balance wiped.
For instance, if a customer pays £100, EDF Energy will pay off £100, too, effectively wiping half the amount owed and getting them back on track sooner.
British Gas also offers a similar scheme for hard-up customers.
EDF could also write off debts completely on a case-by-case basis.
Other customers could be offered free energy-saving gadgets if they contact the supplier as well.
To get the support you'll first be referred to one of EDF's charity partners: Citizens Advice Plymouth, Income Max, and Charis Grants.
Last winter, EDF helped 65,000 customers with support, including debt advice, Income maximisation, energy efficiency advice, debt clearance and financial assistance payments.
Its Warm Winter shop also helped 1,000 customers with electric goods such as kettles, air fryers and slow cookers.
To be eligible, a customer must be fuel poor or at risk of fuel poverty and have known vulnerabilities in the household.
EDF says its team will identify eligible customers and refer them for extra support from Income Max and Plymouth Citizens Advice.
These partner firms will then recommend customers and support them with an application for debt relief.
EDF says that any decision is made based on many factors, including the value of debt, its age, and customers' repayment behaviour.
Philippe Commaret, managing director of customers at EDF, said: "Whilst the Ofgem price cap has reduced in three of the last four quarters, an October rise of 10% will have a significant impact on those who are already struggling.
"We are doing all we can to reduce bills, however, to make a real long-term difference, we believe a social tariff is still needed.
"Only through meaningful Government and industry-wide intervention, paired with better data matching, such as a single cross-sector Priority Services Register, will affordability improve for those most in need."
To find out more about the help, visit edfenergy.com/about/support-for-customers.
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
You should contact your supplier as early as possible to let them know if you're struggling.
Energy debts are priority debts, which means there can be more severe consequences to not paying than with other types of debt.
Failing to engage with your supplier about your debt could also see them apply for a court warrant to forcibly install a prepayment meter in your home.
Once you've contacted your supplier about your debt problems, ask for an affordable repayment plan.
Your supplier should work with you to figure out a sensible amount you can pay towards your debts each month.
Your supplier may also allow you to apply for an energy grant.
These could be delivered as energy credits to help cover your debt, or your supplier might agree to wipe your outstanding balance.
Ask your supplier what's on offer and how to apply.
THERE are several groups which can help you with your problem debts for free.
You can also find information about Debt Management Plans (DMP) and Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVA) by visiting MoneyHelper.org.uk or Gov.UK.
Speak to one of these organisations - don't be tempted to use a claims management firm.
They say they can write off lots of your debt in return for a large upfront fee.
But there are other options where you don't need to pay.
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