MONEY TALK By Allan Asher Chief executive of Energywatch

Allan Asher heads the UK's gas and electricity consumer watchdog

The UK's electricity and gas consumer watchdog has some simple tips for people who are struggling to pay their energy bills - and are facing the threat of disconnection.

Many of us have seen that dreaded red energy bill fall through the door. Threats of disconnection will soon follow unless the debt is settled pretty quickly. If you are fortunate, you can just pay up, but for many the choice is not so straight forward.

Recent figures show that almost 2.5 million energy accounts are currently in debt, with people owing an average of �150. More worrying is the 17,000 UK homes that had their energy supply disconnected in 2003 over debts as low as �50.

Taking into account the recent surge in energy prices and an ever growing level of consumer debt, it is unsurprising that many are predicting disconnections levels will increase this year.

But if you are fighting off disconnection is there anything you can do?

Contact your supplier

If you are in debt the first thing you should do is contact your supplier. Ignoring the problem will only make the situation worse and could end in disconnection.

ALLAN'S TIPS: IN SUMMARY Do not ignore the problem - it won't go away Contact your supplier - it should offer a payment plan Vulnerable and elderly customers should be protected by the Priority Services Register Check if your energy supplier has a fund for people in difficulty Save money by making your property more energy efficient - there are grants available (see Energy Saving Trust link on right) Contact consumer watchdog Energywatch (08459 060708) if you need help

Your supplier is obliged to offer a wide range of debt repayment options and take into account your circumstances and ability to pay.

Companies should be willing to set up a payment plan for debt that suits you, even if you are under threat of disconnection.

Debt can be repaid through a variety of means including Fuel Direct, a scheme where energy payments are made direct from state benefits.

Regular payment plans are available allowing you to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly. As a last resort prepayment meters are an established way to repay a debt but these tend to be one of the more expensive ways to pay.

It is also important to contact your supplier if you dispute a debt you may have with them.

Inaccurate billing can cause consumers to run up debts. For example, if you have a large demand for payment but have not received a bill for some time, contact your supplier. They should be able to arrange repayment of the debt over the same period in which it accrued, i.e. no bill for 12 months - 12 months to repay.

Several trust funds have been established to offer financial help in managing debt problems.

Some of these are run by energy suppliers such as EDF Energy Trust, but its help only applies to EDF customers. Your supplier should be able to advise you of these and if you are eligible.

Share information

If you are of pensionable age, disabled, visually or hearing impaired or chronically sick you are eligible for certain free services and protection under the Priority Services Register (PSR). Companies have to offer this service and it can be useful if you are in debt.

There is also a winter moratorium banning the disconnection of elderly consumers between October and March every year Allan Asher

If a consumer on the PSR is under threat from disconnection, the company should offer additional assistance.

There is also a winter moratorium banning the disconnection of elderly consumers between October and March every year.

If you are having difficulty in keeping your home warm and dry let you supplier know.

Suppliers should be able to refer you to their energy efficiency grants or to others for help in improving your home.

They should also let you know of others, such as Citizens Advice or local authority money advisers, able to assist you in managing your money and accessing the full range benefits to which you may be entitled.

Such agencies are also listed in your local phone book and should be contacted for help.

You are not alone

Finally, never forget you are not alone.

If you are unhappy with your supplier over a debt or a repayment plan; contact Energywatch.

We are the independent gas and electricity watchdog and we will do all we can to help you find a solution that does not end in you becoming another disconnection statistic. Call us on 08459 06 07 08 if you think we can help.