Energy Support Schemes: How can they help you reduce your energy bills?

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Transcript

00:00Hi, I'm Alex Nelson, and today we're talking about how to find out if your energy provider

00:05offers support if you're struggling with bills this winter. The good news? Help is

00:10out there, and it's easier than you think to access.

00:14First things first. Many energy providers have support schemes, so don't panic. The

00:19best place to start is by calling your energy provider's customer service team or checking

00:23their website. If you do get to speak to a customer service representative, ask them

00:28directly if they offer any hardship funds or payment plans. It's important to be

00:32open about your situation so they can guide you to the right support. Explain what you're

00:37going through, whether it's debt, illness, or struggling to meet payments, and ask if

00:42they can set up a payment plan or provide grants. If they can help, you'll likely

00:47need to provide some proof of your income, benefits, or medical condition, so be ready

00:51for that. Even if your provider doesn't advertise a specific support scheme, it's

00:57still worth asking. Providers are often more flexible than you think, especially if you're

01:01facing financial hardship. But if you don't get the help you need from your current provider,

01:06you can always reach out to charities like Citizens Advice or StepChange. They can point

01:10you in the right direction. Stay warm, stay financially stable, and if you're struggling,

01:16don't hesitate to reach out.