If you are experiencing financial difficulty and are worried about paying your gas and electricity bills, there are a number of organisations that you can speak to for help and advice, including your energy provider,

If you usually pay your energy bills on a monthly or quarterly basis and are struggling, you should contact your energy provider direct. They are obliged to help you and can come to an arrangement that best suits your circumstances, such as giving you more time to pay, offering payment breaks or arranging an affordable payment plan.

If you have a prepayment meter and can’t afford to top it up, contact your energy provider who can offer Additional Support Credit. Please be aware that you must regularly top up your meter, even in the summer months, as you still need to pay a standing charge.

It is important to let your energy provider know if you have any health issues, as they can place you on a Priority Services Register which is a free support service to help people who are vulnerable.

There are various grants and funds available to help pay off fuel debt and you may also be eligible for other benefits, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, Warm Home Discount and the Child Winter Heating Assistance.

If you are struggling with your energy costs, there is a range of help and advice available from organisations such as Money Matters Advice Service (MMAS), Citizens Advice Bureau and energyadvice.scot who may also be able to provide fuel vouchers to help top up your meter.