Step 3 Choose your debt solution – Common priority debts 3 Energy UK is a trade association. If your energy supplier is a member, they should follow the Energy UK Safety Net guidance. You should not be disconnected if your supplier knows that you cannot protect your personal welfare, or the personal welfare of other members of your household, due to your: • age; • health; • disability; or • severe financial difficulty. For more information, go to www.energy-uk.org.uk. Use the Summary budget for creditors to make an affordable offer. You need to cover the cost of the energy you are using plus an amount towards the arrears. Your supplier will usually want you to pay the arrears before your next bill is due. If you can’t do this, start paying what you can afford and remind your supplier that they should take into account your ability to pay. See our Ask your energy supplier to accept affordable payments sample letter. Sample letters To get a copy go to www.nationaldebtline.org or contact us and we will send you a copy. If you get certain benefits, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to take money from your benefit to pay towards your arrears. Unless you are on a prepayment meter, they will also take an amount to pay towards your ongoing energy costs. What if my energy supplier still threatens to cut off my supply? It is rare for gas and electricity suppliers to cut off your supply. This should be a last resort and your supplier should give you notice. You can usually avoid being disconnected if you agree to repay your debt at a rate you can afford. This could be by instalments, having money taken from certain benefits or through a prepayment meter. If your supplier is threatening to cut off your supply, get advice straightaway, as it can happen within a few weeks. Contact Citizens Advice consumer service. Go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0345 404 0506. For more information, see our Energy debts fact sheet. Page 59