British Gas to Ovo

As the cost of living crisis continues, many families may be wondering what help is available. The start of October saw millions of people see an increase in energy prices.Currently, the Government’s energy price cap guarantee has capped average energy bills at £2,500 but this could rise next year.Energy bills are still around 95 percent higher than they were last winter, even with the price guarantee.As well as the government’s range of cost of living payments and other financial support, people might be eligible for help directly from their energy company.British GasThe British Gas Energy Support Fund is designed to help British Gas customers with an energy debt of between £250 and £1,500.READ MORE: PIP claimants risk losing £157 a week by failing to report 7 vital changes to DWP The Energy Bills Support Scheme gives £400 to eligible households to help with winter bills (Image: GETTY)Alongside their new support fund, the existing Individuals & Families fund also offers grants to anyone with energy debt between £250 and £750.People don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply.The British Gas Energy Trust encourages Britons to contact their local Money Advice Agency for help before applying for a grant.If they get advice, this will help their chances of a successful grant application.DON’T MISSBarclays is offering savers over 5% on new savings account – a ‘top pick’ [INSIGHT]Family astounded after OVO Energy bill shot up to ‘impossible’ £1,300 a month [WARNING]PIP claimants could get extra cash, benefits and discounts – are you eligible? [ANALYSIS] As the cost of living crisis continues, any extra cash could be vital for families on low incomes (Image: EXPRESS)Octopus EnergyThey have set up a £15million Octo Assist Fund as part of their campaign to help those worried about paying for their energy this Winter.If someone is an Octopus customer, they can fill in their financial support form which is a quick and simple online tool which asks people a series of questions about their financial situation to show what help could be available.Ovo EnergySimilar to others, Ovo offers immediate help to customers such as by switching them to pay-as-you-go or discussing alternative payment plans.Shell EnergyShell Energy has a support fund for struggling customers which like many of the others has no set criteria or limit on support.Once they know why people are struggling to pay their bill, Shell will suggest ways to help manage things.This could mean temporarily changing how someone pays; arranging repayments from benefits; or referring them to specialist agencies for more support.If they’re struggling with an energy bill, they can also help them find ways to reduce energy use around their home.