British Gas Energy Trust Partners with Post Office and Local Charities to Offer Free Drop-In Events

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Almost 40% of Brits still don't seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.

Reasons for this include the stigma or embarrassment many still feel is attached to asking for help -something that has increased from 28 per cent to 34 per cent this year, with those aged 25–34 the most likely to cite this as a barrier.

Others avoid seeking support due to a misguided belief that they won’t qualify (35 per cent), or because they feel the application process is too complicated (23 per cent).

In fact, 51 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 35 per cent last year.

It comes as a poll of 2,000 adults found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 26 per cent, followed by council tax (17 per cent) and water (11 per cent).

But this increased to 51 per cent for those aged 25-34, and 56 per cent for the 18-24 age group.

The research was commissioned by British Gas, as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust which has partnered with the Post Office and 20 local money and energy advice charities to offer 120 free drop-in events at 20 Post Offices across the UK over the next 12 months.

These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.

The study also showed those currently in employment seem to be having similar problems paying their energy bills (65 per cent) than those who are unemployed (61 per cent).

While 41 per cent of homeowners said the same compared to only 21 per cent of renters.

Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive of British Gas Energy Trust, said: "We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local money and energy charities to bring support into communities across Britian – including Leicester, Manchester, Yorkshire, Scotland, Wales, London and Liverpool. These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund is also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers - whether you're on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

“No one should feel alone in this - and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”

According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (31 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (23 per cent).

It also found 54 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.

Whereas the same number (54 per cent) are likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.

Almost two thirds (62 per cent) believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.

Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help

“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”

The first drop-in event is taking place at the Woodgate Post Office in Leicester in collaboration with the Zinthiya Trust on 16th and 17th of September, see the full list of events here.