Fuel Debt

Weekly Fuel Debt and Energy Efficiency advice Surgeries: See our events diary for details.
Big Energy Week 16th - 21st January

How Fuel Debt Can Happen

Anyone can get in debt with their energy supplier, and there are many reasons why this happens. The most common are: -

A series of estimated bills from your supplier which has underestimated the amount of energy you have used. This leads to a very large bill once the supplier has read the meter and produced a bill for the correct amount of energy used during this time.
Monthly or weekly payments are lower than the actual amount of energy used, this is a particular problem when prices have recently risen. Energy suppliers normally calculate the payment for customers paying direct debit yearly only.
Living in a home that has a low level of insulation and an inefficient heating system. These homes can be very expensive to heat to a comfortable temperature.

If a bill seems too high make sure you check the following:


Check	Why?
Name, address and dates.	It may not be your bill but actually from a previous occupier.
Compare your meter readings against the bill. There may be mistakes or estimations (look for an E against the reading).	Does the amount of units you have been charged for show what you have actually used?
The company issuing the bill.	In some cases two different fuel suppliers can both think they are supplying the same address. You are only required to pay one, your supplier. They should sort out this situation out on you behalf.

If you are already in debt

If you have already run up a large debt first of all talk to your supplier; they won't want it all at once. Try to be realistic about what you can afford to pay back and how regularly you can make payments. Remember you still have to pay for the fuel you are using at the moment.

The most common debt repayment methods are:-

Paying an extra set amount on top of your regular payments. The amount can be negotiated with your supplier.
People on Income Support can consider fuel direct. This is when a set amount is agreed with the energy supplier to cover the arrears and the current energy usage.
A prepayment meter. Many suppliers are keen to fit these as it guarantees them repayment. However they are the most expensive method of paying for your fuel, have a risk of self-disconnection and the inconvenience of having to purchase cards or top up keys.
Debts can also be paid off by making a lump sum payment.

Help With Fuel Debt

'Fuel Poverty' is a situation currently faced by over 500,000 households in Scotland who pay over 10% of their disposable income on electricity and gas bills. Everybody has the right to a warm, comfortable home that is affordable to heat. For this reason that the Scottish Government has committed itself to eradicating fuel poverty in Scotland by 2016.

Fuel prices may well be beyond our control but this does not mean fuel poverty cannot be solved. At Clackmannanshire Council, we are dedicated to meeting the Scottish Government's targets to eradicate fuel poverty and provide affordable warmth. Charities, fuel suppliers, dedicated organisations and the government itself are now offering a range of services and advice to tackle the problem......

Dealing with Fuel Debt

There are a number of local and national organisations that can help you reduce your fuel debt, by negotiating with your supplier on your behalf, helping you to maximise your income or reduce your fuel bills:

Clackmannanshire Council Money Advisors

Tel: 01259 452512

Citizen Advice Bureau

Tel: 01259 723880259 723880

MacMillan Money Matters

Macmillan Money give financial information and advice to people with cancer, their families and their carers.

E-mail: mmm@stirling.gov.uk

Tel: 01259 452620

The Scottish Gas Energy Trust

This is a fund which can offer financial assistance to:

Reduce or clear arrears of gas or electricity debt.
Help with other essential household bills and costs.

You must be a customer of British Gas or Scottish Gas to apply.

Tel: 01733 333383

EDF Energy Trust

This is a fund which can offer financial assistance to:

Reduce or clear arrears of gas or electricity debt.
Help with other essential household bills and costs.

You must be a customer of EDF Energy to apply.

Tel: 01733 421060

E-mail: edfet@charisgrants.com to ask for a form

Fuel Suppliers

All Utilities offer free energy efficiency advice.

ScottishPower can be contacted on 0800 33 22 33
Scottish Gas on 0845 9650 650,
Scottish & Southern Energy (Scottish Hydro Electric) on 0800 444 321
Npower on 0800 022 220.
EDF Energy: telephone 0800 096 9966
Eon: telephone 0845 301 4889

Age Concern Scotland

Age Concern's helpline for older people, 0845 125 9732, can assist in accessing a variety of income maximization / assistance options as well as impartial advice.

Pension Service

Offers a benefit check and advice service for pensioners. This helpline can be used by a client or their family. Contact on 0845 60 60 265.

Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre (ESSAC)

You can get free, impartial and expert advice about making your home more energy efficient. They can also produce a tailor made home energy check detailing specific measures and grants suitable for you. Phone: 0800 512 012

Winter Fuel Payments

If you are aged 60 or over (as of 21/09/08) you should receive a one off winter fuel payment. This is £200 for 60-79 year olds and £300 for those over 80.

There will be an additional payment for this winter (2008/09) of £50 for households with someone aged 60 to 79 and £100 for households with someone aged 80 or over. This will be paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment

For further information on these payments call 0845 915 1515.