Help Paying your Bill

What support is available if I’m struggling to pay my energy bill?

The high cost of living is affecting many of our customers and we want you to know we’re here to help. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, we recommend you contact us as soon as possible. We’ll then do everything in our power to help you manage your energy debt and avoid it building up.

We can assist you with creating a payment plan and help you update your payment method. Additionally, we can refer you to other organisations for further assistance.

Help managing your energy costs
Ways we may be able to support you
Independent help and advice
Helpful information for our Pay As You Go customers

Help managing your energy costs

There are several ways you can take more control of your energy, which could help lower your bill:

Change to Pay As You Go: You may be eligible to get a Pay As You Go meter installed, which is currently our cheapest way to pay. Change your payment method in your online account.
Change to Direct Debit payments: Spread your annual costs into 12 monthly payments. You can change your payment method in your online account.
Set up an instalment plan: You’ll need to pay by Direct Debit or Pay As You Go before we can set up an affordable instalment plan to help you pay off any outstanding balance on your account.
Flex your monthly payments anytime: If you pay by Direct Debit, our Direct Debit Manager tool gives you the flexibility to adjust your payments any time you need to in the app and your online account.
Install a smart meter*: They make it easy to monitor your energy use, see what you’re spending in pounds and pence and identify where you can make savings. Book an appointment here.
Enter meter readings regularly: If you don’t have a smart meter, we recommend providing us with regular meter readings in your online account or in the ScottishPower App to help ensure you only pay for the energy you use.
Download the ScottishPower App: Monitor your energy use on the go, manage your payments and enter meter readings in our award-winning app. If you have a smart meter, you can access our Energy Insights tool to gain an even better understanding of your energy use.

* There may be times when we are unable to communicate with your meter and would need to rely on an estimate or ask you to provide meter readings.

Ways we may be able to support you

The Warm Home Discount scheme: You may be eligible for a one-off discount of £150 taken directly off your electricity bill. You may qualify automatically and if so, will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions. If you’re on a low income and living in Scotland, you can apply for a rebate if you meet the eligibility criteria. Find out more about the Warm Home Discount scheme.
Hardship Fund: If you’re on a lower income and are struggling to pay your energy bills, you may be eligible for the ScottishPower Hardship Fund. We’ve provided over £60m in support to help customers get their payments under control and we may be able to help by clearing or reducing outstanding balances. Learn more about the Hardship Fund.
Energy efficiency advice: Small changes to your habits can make a difference to your energy bills. Our online energy efficiency guide offers practical tips to help you reduce your energy use at home.

Independent help and advice

If you need additional support with budgeting or managing any debt, there are several external organisations that may be able to help.

StepChange Debt Charity can assist you with your debt issues. They can provide the support necessary for you to regain control of your finances in the long run. Find out more at www.stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111.
MoneyHelper can help you with budgeting and see if you qualify for any benefits or financial assistance. Find out more at www.moneyhelper.org.uk.
MoneyMap offer help to people living in Scotland to find sources of online support to increase your income, reduce your bills or ease the costs of daily living. Find out more at www.moneymap.scot.
Turn2Us help people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Find out more at www.turn2us.org.uk.
Advice Direct Scotland offer free, practical advice and information on energy-related issues for Scottish citizens. Visit energyadvice.scot or call Advice Direct Scotland free on 0808 196 8660.
Find out if you’re eligible for Universal Credit at www.gov.uk/universal-credit.
The Winter Fuel Payment, is an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs during the colder months. If you have reached State Pension age and receive a qualifying means-tested benefit, you may be eligible for a payment between £200 and £300. If you live in Scotland, you’re unable to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Find out more at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
You may be eligible for tax relief for additional household costs, like your gas and electricity, if you must work from home regularly. Find out more at www.gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home.

Helpful information for our Pay As You Go customers

Our Pay As You Go customers can use the emergency credit and friendly credit hours functions that are built into their meters. For further information, please visit our Pay As You Go support page.

What support is available if I’m struggling to pay my energy bill?

Contents

Help managing your energy costs

Ways we may be able to support you

Independent help and advice

Helpful information for our Pay As You Go customers

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