MAKE YOUR FREE Energy repayment plan

Use this debt payment plan if you owe money to your energy supplier and want to request a new repayment plan.

An energy repayment plan is a letter to your energy supplier asking for a different payment schedule. If you owe your energy provider money (eg because of the energy crisis or cost of living crisis), you can use this letter to set out a repayment plan for the money owed.

Use this debt repayment plan:

• when you owe money to your energy provider (for gas or electricity)

• want to request a new repayment schedule

• if you are based in England, Wales or Scotland

This energy repayment plan covers:

• who you (ie the account holder) are

• how much you owe your energy provider

• how much money you can pay towards the debt per month or week

• why you are requesting a different payment schedule

• any other steps you are taking to help pay off your debt

• any other support you require from your energy provider

An energy repayment plan will help you and your energy provider come to an agreement regarding owed energy payments. This letter can be used to ask your energy supply to accept reasonable payments toward your energy bill.

Having a debt repayment plan in place can help you repay the money owed without financially straining yourself too much. It can also help you avoid potential conflicts regarding money owed, as energy suppliers are required to: 

• consider your personal circumstances in relation to a debt, and

• work with you to agree on a repayment plan taking into account your specific circumstances

Use this energy payment plan to speak to your energy provider if you think:

• they are charging you too much

• you are struggling to afford your energy payments

This letter can be used to negotiate a payment plan that is more suitable to your needs and circumstances.

Failing to negotiate a repayment plan that works for you may result in you falling behind on your payments and your energy supplier may require you to install a prepayment metre. This ‘pay-as-you-go’ metre required you to pay for energy before using it. In rare cases, your energy supply may even be disconnected.

A budget sheet is a document that sets out your income and spending over a specific time period (eg per month). Including a budget sheet when sending an energy repayment plan to your energy supplier can help them better understand your financial situation.

You can take different steps to save money on your energy bills. Including:

• making changes around your household (using energy-saving light bulbs, taking shorter showers or turning thermostats down)

• making changes to your property (eg installing a smart metre or draught-proofing) 

• applying for hardship funds (ie charitable grants) to help cover your energy costs 

• working with professional advice to reduce your energy use

For more information, read our Energy saving checklist.

Ask a lawyer for advice if:

• the document doesn't meet your needs or cover what you want

• the energy supplier does not agree to the repayment terms

This energy repayment plan is governed by the laws of England, Wales and Scotland.