Please don't worry - there maybe some options available for you before having a prepayment meter installed at your home? For instance, we have a special tariff for our disabled and vulnerable customers that we may be able to put you on which is cheaper than our standard tariff. Also, paying by direct debit for your energy can give you further discounts.
Depending on where you live, we may also be able to send an energy efficiency advisor to your property to see if we can help you cut down on your energy use and also see if there is any further help available to you. You may also be eligible for free cavity wall and loft insulation if you receive certain benefits - if you're unsure if you qualify, we can also check your benefits entitlement for you.
There is also a government funded scheme called Warm Front, which concentrates on households at risk of ill health because they live in cold homes. If you need help paying for heating and insulation improvements, you may be able to get up to £3,500 from the scheme if you have gas or electric heating fitted, or up to £6,000 if you have oil central heating. Currently the scheme is unable to accept new applications. This is a temporary measure. The scheme will accept applications again at a given date after 1 April 2011. To find out more, you can call them for free on 0800 316 2805 or visit their website http://www.warmfront.co.uk/
