Grants from Npower help with paying utility bills

Qualified low income customers of Npower can receive grants for paying a variety of utility bills. A charity fund has been created by the company in an effort to support households that are facing a onetime crisis and that meet other conditions that are in place.

The application process is extensive, and is touched upon below. Also, all resources are very limited and only a small portion of households will be able to qualify for help with their utility bills. As part of the programme, there is financial aid for people or families facing a hardship, distress, or have some other type of need. While the use of a grant can be for different costs, most of it is intended for debts or bills that result for electricity usage.

When applying, the person needs to explain why they are struggling, and show proof. This also includes details on why a particular debt has not been paid on your utility account. If the application has not been completed correctly, then it will not be assessed until the omissions are fixed. If someone has questions on the process itself, they can contact a local advice centre, such as CBA, for support.

If you application has been approved by trustees from Npower, then a grant will be issued for paying bills. The household will also receive notice of this award. Note that the customer will also need to continue to make current payments on their account for up to three months before the grant is confirmed. Also, any funds issued will go directly to Npower, often as a credit on an account. Money is not paid out to the customer.

The 3 month award scheme was set up to show the commitment from the applicant. They need to show the ability and desire to work towards financial sustainability and self-sufficiency by making payments for their current usage on their account. So this is provided as a form of one time help, and the customer must pay the utility bills on their own in the future. Any debt they have will be suspended during this three month period of time as well.

Then, when the grant has been issued, NPower may also provide the customer with other payment plans or schemes. Clients can also get free energy efficiency advice and support required. It is important to note that if the client ignores the deal terms or makes insufficient payments, the grant and assistance provided will be taken away from them.

Struggling individuals who use any assistance provided sparingly. For example, individuals can only apply for help at most once every 2 years. There may be some exceptions though, such as for clients that have been accepted as part of Npower Provisional Award Scheme. They may apply a couple times per year.

As noted, a grant can be used for gas and other utility type bills. Some other living expenses can be paid as well, such as for food, rent, or other debts. However, it goes without saying that there are limits, and for example the money can’t be sued to pay for holidays, educational costs, fines, or other non-essential expenses.

The objective of the Energy Fund from Npower is to help low income customers with utility costs. It can provide them help with their electric bills which in effect gives them time to get their finances back on track. It is limited for those with a onetime crisis or hardship. The grant can clear debts and arrears. So it can in some ways give families a fresh start.

The Fund also recommends people request other advice and counselling before applying. There are services and advisers that can assist customers with negotiating with any other creditors. They can also get help in maximizing welfare benefits and their household income.

For details, call 01733 421 060. Mail it to Freepost RSKL-YZAE-RRHA Npower Energy Trust, PO Box 42, Peterborough, PE3 8XH. Or contact a local citizen centre in your town or city.