A major energy firm with over 47 million customers could help with replacing your worn out appliances
Billpayers at one firm with over 47 million customers could receive a free fridge E.ON Next’s Energy Fund was set up by the firm to help support customers who are struggling financially.
Two key features of the fund are to help customers pay for their energy bills with grants as well as replace a wide variety of appliances. The latter is mainly in place to provide a replacement for an appliance that has either broken down or is in a poor condition.
The fund can provide support for customers who pay for either gas or electricity with E.ON. According to E.ON, the replacement appliances received through the scheme should be more energy-efficient, which could save you more money on bills in the long run.
Who is eligible for the extra support?
Firstly, in order to receive a replacement appliance through the fund, applicants should already be customers with E.ON Next or Sainsbury’s Energy. According to Charis, who manages the E.ON Next Energy Fund, the eligibility criteria for the fund are based on a combination of an applicant’s financial and health-related situation.
If you are applying to get help with paying for your electricity and gas bills, you will need to pass a three-month Provisional Award Scheme and show that you’re able to cover your average monthly energy use. While undergoing the Provisional Award Scheme, E.ON will suspend any debt that you may have.
If all payments have been made throughout the period, E.ON will settle the debt in full. However, if you don’t keep up with the payments, the award scheme will be withdrawn, and the debt, including any further debt built up during the award period, will stay in place and need to be paid.
How to apply for the fund
E.ON recommends that you seek financial advice before submitting an application. This is to allow you the chance to negotiate with any other creditors you may need to, as well as ensure you’re receiving all the benefits and extra income you could be eligible for.
You may also be asked to provide the following evidence to E.ON while they consider your application to determine your eligibility:
- Proof of any illness someone in your household has been diagnosed with by a doctor or medical professional – this can include a letter, summary, or certificate from a doctor, medical professional or health worker
- Proof of any benefits or tax credits any adult in your household may be receiving
E.ON highlights that all supporting evidence should be less than three months old. The only exception to this is annual benefit letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
All supporting documents should also clearly show your name and address. You can make an application for the E.ON Next Energy Fund online here.
