More than 15,000 vulnerable customers have been supported through EDF and Charis Grants, including bill credits, supermarket vouchers, heated blankets, duvets and slow cookers.
More than 15,000 vulnerable customers have been supported through EDF and Charis Grants, including bill credits, supermarket vouchers, heated blankets, duvets and slow cookers.(Image: Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Customers with EDF energy debt could be able to get extra support including bill credits, supermarket vouchers and free household items through a scheme aimed at vulnerable households.
The energy firm said more than 15,000 customers across the UK have been helped over the past year through initiatives delivered with charity partner Charis Grants. The support has focused on helping people struggling with energy debt and wider cost of living pressures by offering financial help alongside practical items designed to reduce household bills.
Through the Customer Support Fund, more than 1,500 customers were able to set up payment plans to help manage outstanding energy debt. EDF said more than £2.5 million in debt support has been awarded through the scheme to help customers move towards becoming debt free.
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Additional support was also provided through the Winter Warmth Choices scheme during the colder months.
This included more than £1 million in energy bill credits as well as 5,787 supermarket vouchers to help households cover food and other essential costs during winter.
Customers also received practical items designed to help reduce energy use at home, including heated blankets, self heating mattress toppers, duvets, heated body warmers, heated airers, soup makers and slow cookers.
EDF said the aim is to help customers not only manage immediate financial pressures, but also develop longer term habits that could reduce energy costs in future.
Marie Cox, Vulnerable Customers Process Owner at EDF, said: “We are pleased to have partnered with Charis to support those who may not otherwise seek support, building on over 20 years of work together.
“By combining financial assistance with practical solutions, we’re not only helping people manage their energy bills today, but also supporting them to build more sustainable habits for the future.”
Jessica Taplin, chief executive at Charis Grants, added: “We’re proud to partner with EDF and see the real difference this support is making to people’s lives.
“By working together, we’re helping customers not only manage immediate challenges, but build confidence and take control of their energy costs for the future. It’s a partnership that’s delivering meaningful, lasting change where it matters most.”
EDF said it is now encouraging customers to improve energy efficiency ahead of next winter as households continue to face pressure from rising living costs and energy bills.
People struggling to pay their energy bills can also check whether they are eligible for supplier hardship schemes, grants or extra support through the Priority Services Register and should contact their energy provider as early as possible if they are worried about falling behind on payments.
