E.ON Next is writing off vulnerable customers’ debt and offering a discount on energy bills this winter via a new support scheme.
Through the Winter Affordability Support Scheme, E.ON Next will fund up to 50 per cent of eligible customers’ energy bills from the time they sign up, through to the end of winter in March 2024.
The offer is exclusively available to existing E.ON Next customers on low incomes (household income of less than £19,000 a year) and customers with certain medical dependency needs who have a household income of less than £31,000 a year.
As part of the package, E.ON Next will also write off debt an existing customer has on joining the scheme at the end of the term.
E.ON said eligible customers with no energy debt will get 25 per cent off their standard variable prices for the fixed term
PA
Do you have an energy bill question you'd like financial experts to answer, or have you got an energy bill story you'd like to share? Get in touch with our money team by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
The energy provider said they have identified “a number” of customers who may be eligible for the support, and will contact them directly.
They will offer eligible customers with no energy debt 25 per cent off their standard variable prices for the fixed term.
Eligible customers who have energy debt on joining the scheme will be offered 50 per cent off their standard variable prices for the term. E.ON Next will also promise the eligible customer that their debt at the point of sign up will be removed at the end of the term if all payments are made.
E.ON Next said they would continue to lobby the government for targeted financial support, such as a social tariff, to be implemented across the energy industry.
The firm’s Energy Specialists have started to contact customers who could be eligible, via post, text, email and phone, to see if they are entitled to the help.
As with all unexpected communication, it’s important people make sure the caller is legitimate and not a scammer purporting to be from E.ON Next.
E.ON told GB News that SMS messages will come through on most smartphones as "eon next" as the sender and all emails will be from hi@eonnext.com. If customers are told by E.ON Next that they're eligible via SMS email then any E.ON Next number will direct them to the correct team to discuss the Winter Support Scheme.
The Winter Affordability Scheme is in addition to E.ON Next continuing to pay into the E.ON Next Energy Fund and charity partnerships, as well as providing emergency top up support for vulnerable prepayment customers.
An E.ON spokesperson said: “Customers do not need to get in touch, E.ON Next will be contacting eligible people directly with information on how to sign up and the benefits they can receive."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Eligible customers who have energy debt on joining the scheme will be offered 50 per cent off their standard variable prices for the term
PA
People who are struggling to afford to pay their gas and electricity bills are urged to contact their supplier to discuss how to pay the amount owed.
It’s possible to speak to an energy adviser via Citizens Advice’s consumer helpline, on 0808 223 1133.
People who are in debt to an energy supplier might be able to get help to pay it off.
There are a number of energy suppliers offering grants to support people in paying off their debt, and customers can contact them directly.
The charity Turn2us has a grants search tool which could highlight other grants which a person might be eligible for.
