How to handle problems with your gas and electricity
If you’re having problems with your gas or electricity, there are ways to get help. Here’s what you need to know about handling problems with your energy service.
Last updated: 25 February 2021
In this guide
How to complain to your supplier
How to get a refund
What to do in a power cut
What if you have a gas leak?
How to find your energy supplier
What happens if I can’t pay my bill?
How to complain to your supplier
If you’re unhappy with your energy service, you can complain to your supplier:
Write to them, either by letter or email. Keep records of any communication you have with your supplier.
Wait for a response. Your supplier may ask to visit you to take a meter reading, or they may write to you to resolve your complaint.
Go to Citizens Advice. You can get free advice from the Citizens Advice website which could help with your complaint.
Speak to Ofgem. If you are unhappy with the response you get from your supplier, you can speak to the energy regulator Ofgem after eight weeks.
How to get a refund
You may be able to get money back from your energy company if:
Your account is in credit.
You’ve switched and your old supplier owes you money.
You’ve been overcharged.
Contact your energy company or your old supplier and give them your account number, which you’ll find on your latest bill or by logging into your online account, and explain why you think you’re owed money. You should also give them an up-to-date meter reading.
If your account’s in credit, your energy supplier may encourage you to leave the money in your account – remember, your energy bills rise in winter when you consume more (and if you’re on a variable tariff then unit prices could rise at any time), but the decision is up to you and you can ask for a full refund.
Think about reducing your direct debit payments to prevent building up excessive credit again, but make sure you pay enough to cover the cost of your gas and electricity.
If your supplier doesn’t give you the money you are owed, you can contact the Energy Ombudsman to make a complaint.
What to do in a power cut
There are several steps you can take to restore your power and stay safe while you’re without electricity:
Check your fuse box hasn’t tripped.
Check your prepayment meter is topped up with credit.
Check with your neighbours.
Contact your local distribution company.
Make sure you have a torch with you.
Turn off electrical appliances and lights.
You can also call UK Power Networks free of charge on 105 to report the problem.
Can you get compensation?
Yes, if you are without power for over 24 hours you may be able to claim up to £700.
You can claim compensation for a power cut if:
The power cut is the fault of your energy supplier.
The outage was planned, and you weren’t given at least two days’ notice.
You should contact your electricity distributor and make your claim within three months of your power being reconnected.
What if you have a gas leak?
If you smell gas at home, you need to act quickly to keep yourself safe:
| Steps | Detail |
|---|---|
| Call the National Gas Emergency Service | Contact the National Grid service 24 hours a day on 0800 111 999. They can arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to visit your home to fix any problems and explain what else you should do. |
| Turn off the gas | If your home has a gas control valve, switch this off. It can usually be found next to your gas meter, but the National Gas Emergency Service can help you if you need helping finding it. |
| Open your windows and doors | This will ventilate your home and may help with symptoms of nausea or dizziness. |
| Don’t use any electrical switches | Avoid switching on any lights or appliances, and do not light any flames. |
| Tell your neighbours | This allows them to take their own precautions to stay safe but can also help you assess the extent of the problem. |
How to find your energy supplier
If you’ve just moved into your home, ask the person who lived there last or your landlord for the name of your gas and electricity supplier.
Failing that, use the Find My Supplier website to identify your gas supplier, or call the Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524 to find your gas supplier. Calls cost 7p a minute, and the helpline can also tell you your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which lets you identify your gas meter.
If you need to find out who supplies your electricity, you should contact your local distribution company:
| Region | Contact number |
|---|---|
| North Scotland | 0800 300 999 |
| Central and South Scotland | 0800 092 9290 |
| North East England | 0800 668 877 |
| North West England | 0800 195 4141 |
| Yorkshire | 0800 375 675 |
| Merseyside, Cheshire, North Shropshire & North Wales | 0800 001 5400 |
| Eastern England & South East England | 0845 6015 467 |
| Southern England | 0800 072 7282 |
| South West England, South Wales, West & East Midlands | 0800 6783 105 |
| London | 0800 028 0247 |
| Northern Ireland | 0345 764 3643 |
What happens if I can’t pay my bill?
If you’re having problems paying your gas or electricity bills, you should contact your supplier to find out what you owe and agree a way to pay them back.
They must offer you other options before cutting off your energy supply, like:
A plan to pay back any debts in fixed lump sums.
Different payment options, like direct debit or top-up credit via a prepayment meter.
A cheaper tariff.
If you’re still struggling, there are other things you can do to get help with your energy bills:
Benefits and grants
If you claim benefits, you may be able to access schemes and grants that can help you pay your energy bills. gov.uk can help you find out what benefits you can claim.
You may be able to get help from:
Fuel Direct
This lets you use your benefits payments to pay your energy bills. You can use Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, or Pension Credit. Contact Jobcentre Plus for more details.
Warm Home Discount
You could get up to £140 off your electricity bill if you get Pension Credit or if you’re on a low income. Find out more with our in-depth Warm Home Discount guide.
Winter Fuel Payment
An annual one-off payment helps you pay for heating in the winter. Most people aged 63 or over can get help with winter fuel, and you could get between £100 and £300 depending on your age and circumstances.
Cold Weather Payments
This one-off payment helps you pay for extra heating when it’s extremely cold. You may have a right to help if you already get Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker's Allowance. Check our Cold Weather Payments guide for more details on this and the Winter Fuel Payment.
British Gas, EDF and E.ON also offer grants to help you pay your energy bills. You do not have to be a customer, so anyone can apply.
Your supplier may also offer grants, so call them to discuss your options.
Debt advice
Citizens Advice can give you free, independent advice on how to deal with debt.
National Debtline also offers free advice over the phone if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. You can call them on 0808 808 4000.
Efficient energy
You may be able to get help from the Government, your energy supplier, or your local council to make your home more energy efficient and save on your energy bills.
Read our guide to saving money on your gas and electricity for more information on making your home more energy efficient.