An energy company yesterday launched a £2 million fund to help debt-ridden customers pay their winter bills.

EDF Energy, based in Hove and Worthing, unveiled details of the scheme at the Hilton West Pier in Kings Road, Brighton.

The EDF Energy Trust has been set up as an independent charity to support customers who are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills.

It is the first of its kind established by an energy company and will be run in conjunction with the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Successful applicants are likely to have fallen into a debt spiral as a result of unemployment, ill health or relationship breakdown.

A team of qualified assessors will consider each individual's circumstances and give further money and energy efficiency advice where appropriate.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF energy chief financial officer, said: "We have a responsibility to all of our customers, including those who are struggling to pay.

"We have set up the EDF Energy Trust to help people make a fresh start and to ensure they can pay their bills.

"It is especially important during the cold winter months that people can afford to heat their homes. We hope that an award from the trust will help many to do this without getting into debt."

Personal debt in the UK is increasing, with borrowings rising by 53 per cent last year.

Thursday February 05, 2004