- Ofgem: “Tell your energy supplier if you cannot pay your bills. They must help you if you ask.”2
- You can ask your supplier to “agree a payment plan, payment break or reduction / review your current payments and debt repayments / give you access to financial support, called ‘hardship funds’”.1
- Breathing Space (England and Wales): “You can get temporary protection for up to 60 days.” You apply through a debt adviser.4
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
Worried about bills this winter? See the help and savings you may be missing, free. Check my bills
Ask your supplier first
“You will need to pay back any credit you get when you next top up. Your supplier must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford.”3
If you feel you have not had the support you need, you can complain about your supplier.1
Breathing Space
GOV.UK says that during Breathing Space enforcement action cannot be taken against you, your creditors cannot contact you about the debts included, and they cannot add interest or charges.4
“You’ll still need to make your debt repayments.” A mental health crisis Breathing Space is different: “It will last for the length of your treatment, plus another 30 days.”4
“To apply for the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme, you need to talk to a debt adviser.” It is free to apply, though some debt advisers may charge a fee; GOV.UK points to MoneyHelper to find a free one.4
What it means for energy debt
The Insolvency Service's guidance lists utility bill arrears among the debts Breathing Space can cover. During it, a supplier must not install or use a prepayment meter to collect that debt (unless you already agreed), or disconnect your supply.5
Your current gas and electricity bills are not paused: “The debtor needs to keep paying these if they can.”5
Scotland: “In Scotland, this is called a debt moratorium.”1
Budget 2026: energy debt relief
The Budget announced “a one-off targeted debt relief scheme for eligible households to launch next year” (announced; details not yet published). Who qualifies and how much it gives are not yet confirmed.6
Paying debt from your benefits
If you get certain benefits, energy debt can be repaid straight from your benefit through Fuel Direct.