I can’t pay my energy bill in the UK. Can they cut me off?

The short answer

A cut-off is the last step, not the first. There are rules on notice and protection, and help if your income is low.

📜 The rules in the UK

Protection against cut-off

Forcing a prepayment meter on you for debt is a last resort: at least 10 contact attempts, a welfare visit and £30 credit. It is banned if e.g. a child under 2 lives there, everyone is 75+ without support, or someone relies on powered medical equipment.

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

A one-off £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2026 to 2027. In England and Wales you qualify if on 23 August 2026 you or your partner got Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related ESA or Pension Credit; usually automatic. Scotland has its own rules; not in Northern Ireland.

Warm Home Discount 🔗 gov.uk

Official source: gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

Act before the deadlineContact the supplier as soon as you know you cannot pay and ask for a payment plan. Put it in writing.
Check the protection rulesSee below what notice the supplier must give and when a cut-off is not allowed in the UK.
Ask for supportCheck the support scheme below and contact free debt or energy advice.
Answer every letterKeep copies. If a cut-off is announced wrongly, complain straight away to the supplier and the dispute body.

📇 Who to contact

Warm Home DiscountDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Citizens Advice / energyadvice.scot / Consumer Council NIFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Energy OmbudsmanSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 0330 440 1624 🔗 www.energyombudsman.org

Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk

Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk

❓ Questions

Can they cut me off without warning?

No, written notice is required. The exact period for the UK is on this page.

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for the UK are shown on this page.

Does a payment plan stop a cut-off?

A payment plan you keep to generally prevents a cut-off. Get it confirmed in writing.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in the UK. Can they cut me off?