Stabilise gas, electricity, water, broadband & mobile arrears. Ask about Breathing Space to pause interest, charges and most enforcement while we set up the right plan (DMP/IVA/DRO or direct supplier plans).
✅ Start Free Debt CheckUtility bills debt escalates quickly when budgets are tight. We help you stabilise contact, agree a realistic payment with suppliers, and—if other debts are involved—fold everything into one affordable plan. Where suitable, we start with Breathing Space so most enforcement pauses while your plan is set up.
Start My Free CheckEnter your utility arrears and what you can spare monthly after essentials (housing, council tax, food, travel). We’ll estimate plan length so you can make a realistic offer to your supplier.
If pressure is already high, ask about Breathing Space to pause most enforcement while the plan is agreed. Official guidance: GOV.UK (Debt Respite Scheme).
Send My NumbersSuppliers often agree instalments based on what you can afford and your ongoing consumption (so you don’t fall behind again). Share recent meter readings/usage and propose a fair figure backed by your budget.
Suppliers must follow strict rules and consider vulnerability before switching or installing prepayment. You can ask for a review, an affordable repayment plan, and information on any support funds or grants available through your supplier.
Energy rules: Ofgem consumer advice. Water: check your water company’s code of practice.
Draft My ProposalSuppliers must follow stricter steps before fitting or switching you to a prepayment meter—this includes multiple contact attempts, a welfare visit, and extra protections for high-risk households (for example, those dependent on powered medical equipment or where all occupants are 75+ and unsupported).
Ask about debt repayment levels, emergency credit and any “friendly credit” provisions so you aren’t left off-supply at critical times. If affordability is the problem, ask to lower debt recovery rates and move to a realistic plan.
Challenge A SwitchThe PSR gives tailored support if you or someone in your home is vulnerable (health needs, disability, pension age, young children, or temporary circumstances). It can mean better communication formats, password schemes for safe visits, and extra help in outages.
Contact your supplier (and network, if asked) to register. Keep your details updated—especially medical equipment reliance—so plans and protections reflect your situation.
Join The PSRAlso called Third Party Deductions, this can take a small set amount from certain benefits to cover ongoing usage plus a contribution to arrears. The deduction must be affordable and is usually a last resort when other methods haven’t worked.
If you struggle with budgeting or missed payments, Fuel Direct can stabilise things while you fix wider debts via a DMP or IVA. Always check the amount won’t leave you short for essentials.
Ask About DeductionsIn England & Wales, many eligible households are matched automatically for the Warm Home Discount on electricity bills each winter (Scotland often applies via supplier). Make sure the bill is in the correct name and your details are up to date.
Some suppliers (and independent trusts) offer grants to reduce or clear arrears once a realistic plan is in place. You’ll usually need recent statements, meter readings and a budget to evidence affordability.
Also look at Winter Fuel Payment (for pension-age customers) and local welfare schemes. If you’re juggling multiple debts, combining them into a single affordable plan can free the headroom needed for essentials.
Find Grants NowWater companies offer social tariffs, debt support schemes, and sometimes payment breaks. The WaterSure scheme can cap bills for certain metered households with medical needs or with children.
Ask your water company for a plan that fits your budget. If your energy debts and other credit commitments are also tight, consider a DMP or IVA so essentials come first.
Lower My Water BillMany providers offer social tariffs (broadband/phone) for people on certain benefits—often much cheaper and on flexible terms. Moving to a social tariff can free funds to stabilise utilities and avoid arrears building elsewhere.
Ask for an affordable repayment plan and a switch to a social tariff at the same time. Keep usage realistic to avoid add-on fees. If multiple debts are involved, bring them under one affordable plan.
Check Social TariffsIf you get a “catch-up” bill for older usage due to supplier error (for example, no accurate bill despite you asking), you usually can’t be charged for energy used more than 12 months ago. If a back bill looks wrong, challenge it and provide up-to-date readings.
Write to the supplier, ask for a full review and corrected statement. Keep copies of bills, reads and emails. If they don’t fix it, use the complaints route below.
Check My BillComplain in writing with meter readings, dates, and what you want them to do (refund, plan, fix). Suppliers normally have up to 8 weeks to resolve or issue a deadlock letter.
If unresolved after 8 weeks (or with deadlock), escalate to the Energy Ombudsman. Remedies can include billing corrections, apologies and sometimes goodwill credits—helpful when errors cause hardship.
Draft My ComplaintPrioritise essentials (housing, council tax, utilities). Share meter readings/usage, propose what you can afford, and ask for a written plan. If contact is intense, consider Breathing Space while your plan is agreed.
Ask for a vulnerability assessment and a formal review. Provide evidence (e.g. health, disability, under-5s) and request an affordable repayment plan or support funds. If a warrant is threatened, seek advice urgently and consider Breathing Space while options are explored.
Use the Utility Arrears Planner to model timelines, then make a realistic offer your supplier can accept.
If anyone in your home is vulnerable, ask your supplier to add you to the PSR for extra support. Pair this with a realistic plan or DMP/IVA if wider debts apply.
You may be able to pay ongoing usage plus a small amount toward arrears directly from certain benefits. Speak to your supplier first and ensure the deduction is affordable alongside your essentials.
Standing charges accrue even with low usage. Keep small regular top-ups to avoid a shock later. If you’re repeatedly falling behind, restructure with a DMP or IVA to free cashflow.
Some suppliers offer hardship funds or schemes that match payments. Ask your supplier directly and include this request when you propose your plan.
If your smart meter isn’t sending reads, you could underpay and slip into arrears. Provide manual reads and get faults fixed quickly to keep plans accurate.
Water companies follow fair debt guidelines and offer reasonable options. Include water alongside energy in one defendable budget.
Get My Next StepsSuppliers must follow rules and consider vulnerability before steps like disconnection or prepayment. Engage early, offer what you can afford, and ask about support schemes. If it’s urgent, ask about Breathing Space.
Stabilise My AccountYes—protect housing, council tax and utilities first. Then share a fair amount across other unsecured debts via a DMP or IVA.
Build My BudgetOften, yes—subject to eligibility and your wider circumstances. IVAs are typically 5–6 years with one affordable payment; remaining eligible unsecured debts may be written off at completion. DROs can write off qualifying debts after 12 months if your situation doesn’t improve.
Check If I QualifySupplier payment plans aren’t always reported. Formal solutions (IVA/DRO) affect credit for a period, but they also stop the situation worsening and give a clear route out.
Ask About ImpactOverdraft fees can drain funds for utilities. Consider restructuring using a DMP or an IVA to free up cashflow and avoid repeated charges. See also: Overdraft Debt.
Fix My CashflowWe’ll help you pause pressure with Breathing Space, agree a realistic supplier plan, or set up a single affordable payment across all debts. No jargon. No judgment. Just a practical path that fits your life.
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