All four of the UK’s Gas Distribution Networks sign partnership with online budgeting service IE Hub

All UK gas customers will be able to access IE Hub’s online income and expenditure tool if they need extra support.

IE Hub, the online income and expenditure budgeting tool, has signed a deal to support all four of the UK’s Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) which will help their customers who may be in debt or need some additional support.

This new partnership means hundreds of thousands of gas customers will be offered the online tool, funded by the GDN’s to help manage their finances and could potentially find £415 millions in unclaimed benefits for customers.

IE Hub’s digital platform allows people to easily create and share their budget through its income and expenditure tool, reducing the anxiety of customers having to make multiple calls to different bill suppliers, and ultimately improving the financial well-being of those experiencing financial difficulties. It also allows people to declare any additional needs they may have and receive personalised recommendations of support via the platform.

GDNs are independent companies that maintain the gas pipelines for houses and commercial developments in their regions. The UK’s GDNs are made up of Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities, covering the whole of the UK. These companies have a duty of care to identify and understand the circumstances and needs of their customers who may be in vulnerable situations. They then provide support and signpost those customers to services that can help with their specific needs.

This strategic partnership with IE Hub will enable the GDNs to achieve these goals, providing customers with access to comprehensive support services.

More than 50% of IE Hub users have reported energy debt in the first seven months of 2024 an increase of 35% on the total energy debt owed by IE Hub users in all of 2023.

This partnership will provide those in debt with their energy providers, or those living in a vulnerable situation, with the tools to better manage their finances. The partnership is expected to help customers identify an average of £5,194 in additional income a year across 61% of customers thanks to IE Hub’s built-in benefits checker.

As well as providing financial support, this partnership will also provide customers with vital information on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide and the practical support available in a gas emergency, power cut or water supply interruption by signing up to the Priority Services Register – available for people who are chronically ill, or are living with a long-term medical condition, or if they have communication needs, young children, or a condition that means they need tailored services to better suit their needs.

Mark McElvanney, Client Services Director at IE Hub commented on the partnership: “We are so pleased to be able to announce this new partnership with the UK’s Gas Distribution Networks. This gives us the opportunity to provide our support across the whole of the UK. Working with all four GDNs and our numerous creditor partners in the Utilities space is a significant step forward in IE Hub’s mission to help people who need some extra support.

“With our extensive experience across many sectors, we want to bring about positive and real change for everyone – whether that is those who have been stuck in a cycle of debt for years, those experiencing debt for the first time or those who are struggling with the cost of living, they all deserve to have the support and tools to change things.”

Phil Burrows, Head of Vulnerability from Cadent, said: “With over 11 million customers across the UK, we have hundreds of initiatives aimed at supporting those living in the most vulnerable situations across our communities. Extending our programmes to now include access to the IE Hub, will add an important new dimension as it means customers are able to access guidance at any point.

“Worryingly, what we’ve seen this year, is more and more people who have never struggled financially before are experiencing difficulties and because they don’t believe they tick a clear ‘vulnerability’ need, they are not seeking out additional support. Therefore, a tool like IE Hub will be vital in widening our critical support to even more people.”