People struggling with energy bills urged to claim up to £2,000 in financial help this winter

People struggling with energy bills this winter or worried about heating their home during the colder months are being urged to contact their supplier for help as this could unlock access to grants of up to £2,000. Last winter, the The British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) supported more than 64,000 households across Great Britain with money and energy advice, emergency fuel payments, white goods and energy debt grants.

With the recent increase to the energy price cap, and the ongoing cost of living, many households are facing even greater challenges in keeping their homes warm and their energy bills manageable this winter. The prolonged drop in temperatures, which is set to continue until the weekend, is also putting additional pressure on post-Christmas budgets.

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The Trust currently has two energy debt support funds open, to help those struggling this winter.

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.

The British Gas Energy Trust’s energy debt grants offer a fresh start to those who have fallen behind on their energy bills. These grants are essential not only for alleviating immediate financial pressures, but also for ensuring that families can maintain healthy homes, especially during winter when energy use spikes.

Without help, many people face the harsh reality of disconnection or self-rationing, leaving them vulnerable during the colder months.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the Trust, said, “The first step for anyone struggling with their energy bills is to reach out to their energy supplier. Once this step has been taken, it’s also a good idea to check your eligibility for external support. The Trust’s support funds are there to help individuals with energy debt and we encourage every household to apply if they qualify, and to share this information with friends and family, as no one should have to navigate these challenging times alone.”

Support pages for Big Six energy suppliers

• British Gas - energy support fund

• EDF - customer support fund

• E.ON next - energy fund

• Octopus - customer help fund

• OVO - extra support fund

• Scottish Power - hardship fund

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.

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.