Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ensure that people who fall behind on their energy payments are (a) not disconnected and (b) provided an assessment of their legal entitlement to (i) financial and (ii) other forms of support by their energy supplier.

Consumers who are struggling to pay their energy bills should contact their supplier.

For indebted consumers, suppliers must set repayment plans that are based on the consumer’s ability to pay, provide an option to pay via the Fuel Direct scheme or install a prepayment meter. The supplier must provide energy efficiency advice to reduce bills. Disconnection of supply for non-payment may only be an action of last resort if the consumer declines the facilities offered, and they are not of pensionable age, or living with persons under the age of 18 or someone who is disabled or chronically sick.