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<p>The Department is working with Ofgem to assess the level and impact of domestic
consumer energy debt this winter and we will continue to review options to support
energy customers in debt, including those in or at risk of fuel poverty.</p><p> </p><p>Ofgem
rules require energy suppliers to offer customers at risk of, or in debt, the facility
to repay their debt in instalments. Suppliers are also required to take all reasonable
steps to take into account a customers ability to pay when calculating this. Ofgem
issued an open letter in June, stating they would “not tolerate sharp practice or
aggressive debt collection and suppliers could face enforcement action where this
is the case”.</p><p> </p><p>The Department secured an agreement with energy companies
on 19th March 2020 to support their customers impacted by Covid-19, that, based on
the circumstances could include reassessing, reducing or pausing debt repayments for
households in financial distress. Companies have also agreed to refer customers who
are struggling to pay their bills to third party debt advisors.</p>
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