People can claim up to £2,000 in energy bill help this winter

A recent survey commissioned by British Gas on behalf of British Gas Energy Trust indicates 42 per cent of people are worried about meeting the cost of gas and electricity bills this winter, with over a third of respondents saying they are already struggling to keep up with their bills. However, people may be able to get help through the British Gas Energy Trust which currently has two energy support funds open for those with debt on credit or pre-payment meter accounts.

The Individuals and Families Fund provides up to £1,700 in energy debt grants to British Gas and non-British Gas customers, while the Energy Support Fund offers energy debt grants up to £2,000 to British Gas customers only. In 2023/24, the Trust was able to support over 5,300 households with more than £7.8 million in energy debt grants.

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Ofgem recently announced a 1.2 per cent increase to the energy price cap from January 1, 2025. This increase means a typical annual bill now will rise to £1,738, a sum that 9m fuel poor households across Great Britain will struggle to afford.

Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Jessica Taplin said: "Some 45 per cent of people have never sought help when struggling to manage energy bills. Add to this the recent energy price cap increase announcement, and the rising cost of living, and a growing number of individuals- many of whom may have previously been able to manage their expenses- are likely to experience fuel poverty.

"One of the most important steps for anyone struggling with their energy bills is to reach out to their energy supplier. Many energy companies provide customer service teams specifically dedicated to supporting vulnerable customers, and these teams can offer a variety of solutions.”

These can include payment plans, flexible billing arrangements, or access to hardship funds.

Ms Taplin added: “In addition to contacting your energy supplier, it’s also a good idea to check your eligibility for external support. The Trust’s support funds may be able to assist further, and we encourage every household to apply if they qualify or to share this information with friends and family, as no one should have to navigate these challenging times alone."

Support available from British Gas Energy Trust

• Debt Relief Grants - Provides eligible households with grants of up to £2,000 to clear energy debt.

• Emergency Small Grants - Fuel vouchers provided through our community support programme and trusted partners for immediate energy needs.

• Community Support Programme - Funds over 41 charities across Britain, including Citizens Advice offices, to deliver budget planning, benefits guidance and energy efficiency advice.

• White Goods Programme - Essential appliances are available to qualifying households through our community support programme.

Over the past year, the Trust has granted over £16 million in energy debt relief and an additional £2 million in emergency fuel vouchers to support households facing financial difficulties.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Energy Support Fund:

• Be a British Gas customer living in Scotland, England or Wales

• Have energy debt between £50 - £2,000 on a prepayment meter or £250 - £2,000 on a credit account

• Be experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty

• Have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last 6 months

• Have not received a grant from the Trust in the past 12 months

Eligibility for the Individuals and Families Fund

For the Individuals and Families Fund, which is open to both British Gas and non-British Gas customers, eligibility includes:

• Having energy debt up to £1,700 on a credit or prepayment meter account

• Be living in Scotland, England or Wales

• Be seeking assistance with energy debt related to the primary residence

• Have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last 6 months

It’s important to be aware that applicants with energy suppliers who offer their own support funds may not qualify for the Individuals and Families Fund.

How to Apply

The British Gas Energy Trust encourages anyone in need of support to apply or to learn more about eligibility criteria through the Trust’s website here.