Fuel poverty is a key issue for many, particularly in light of the current financial climate, rising fuel costs and the onset of cold weather; which caught many people out last winter. All these make it a struggle to stay on top of fuel bills.
The bureau, based in Grays, is seeking to help vulnerable clients and those living on low incomes that are having difficulty paying their fuel bills. There are various government and energy supplier grant schemes that are available for those who are struggling to pay their bills.
Thurrock Citizens Advice Bureau is working in partnership with Charis Grants Ltd to promote applications to the EDF Energy Trust to raise awareness of the Trust’s programmes as well as to increase provision of debt advice to clients facing utility debts and provide access to other fuel poverty schemes.
Applications are encouraged from across Thurrock, Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford as applications to the Trust are currently low and funds are available to anyone who is an EDF Energy customer experiencing hardship and finding it difficult to pay their gas and electricity bills.
The EDF Energy Trust is a charitable Trust administering grants to consumers, the grant is not a loan, it is non refundable, there is no limit to the amount of debt that can be paid off and it does not matter if applicants are employed or not. Hardship can be as a result of disability, illness or bereavement, job loss, reduction in wages, an addition to the family or other circumstances.
Applicants may also be eligible for a grant to help to pay some household costs like other utility debts, purchase of some essential household items, funeral expenses, rent debt, council tax, and payment of bankruptcy or debt relief order deposits.
The only condition is that applicant must to be current customer of EDF Energy or a member of the household who contributes towards fuel/energy bills. We hope that EDF Energy customers will take advantage of this help and get a fresh start with their energy bills and payments.
For more information, advice and assistance with completing the application form please contact Thurrock Citizens Advice Bureau, call 01375 389 513 to book an appointment with the Project Officer.
The bureau, a local charity, has advice sessions in Grays, Chadwell St Mary, Tilbury, Stanford le Hope, South Ockendon, Surestart Centres and GPs surgeries throughout Thurrock.
