Energy Hardship Funds - support available with energy bills

It’s a tough time financially for families and individuals across the UK right now, and the cost of energy is adding unwelcome pressure to an ongoing cost-of-living crisis caused by a number of global economic issues.

Castle Community Bank is dedicated to levelling-up financial inclusion and education in communities usually left behind. The following information could help our members to get support on their energy bills.

While UK-wide financial support is being offered by British Gas, be aware that Scottish residents can also apply to other energy companies who have support funds and hardship grants available for customers who are struggling. If you’re in debt to an energy supplier, you may be eligible for a grant from the supplier to help pay it off.

Here's a list of energy suppliers who offer grants to their customers:

· British Gas Energy Support Fund -?apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website

· Scottish Power Hardship Fund -?apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website

· Ovo Energy Fund -?apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website

· E.ON Energy Fund -?apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website

· E.ON Next Energy Fund -?apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website

· EDF Energy Customer Support Fund -?sign up to the priority services register to apply for a grant on the EDF Energy website

· Bulb Energy Fund -?apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website

· Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ -?apply for a grant on the Octopus website

NOTE: If you can’t get a grant from your own supplier, you might be able to get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to be eligible.

Households may also be able to access local grants, see what's available in your area on the?Simple Energy Advice website.

At Castle Community Bank we are dedicated to bringing people an alternative home for your savings and loans, providing fair products at competitive interest rates. Like any Credit Union, Castle is not-for-profit and is owned and run by members, creating a shared financial community across the UK.?Any profits from running the business will be ploughed back into its member communities, starting in Leith.