The Energy Support Fund is available for existing British Gas customers who are in energy debt or at risk of fuel poverty during the winter
British Gas has reopened its Energy Support Fund with households in England, Scotland and Wales eligible for up to £2,000 support with their energy bills.
The Energy Support Fund is available for existing British Gas customers who are in energy debt or at risk of fuel poverty during the winter.
The Energy Support Fund is available for households who have energy debt of between £50 and £2,000 on a pre-payment meter, or £250 to £2,000 on a credit account.
You will also need to have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last six months, or used the online budgeting tool available in your application. British Gas customers who meet the criteria can apply on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Last year, the Energy Support Fund helped almost 6,000 household occupants across England, Scotland, and Wales. If you’re not a British Gas customer, you may be eligible for help through its Individuals and Families Fund instead.
This provides help for those struggling with energy debt up to £1,700 on a prepayment or credit account.
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, said: “As winter approaches, we know that rising household bills are a real worry for many people across the UK.
“ We want our customers to know that we’re here to support them. Tackling energy debt and fuel poverty is a priority for us and we’re making sure help is available when it’s needed most.
“We’ve committed £140 million, the UK’s largest voluntary energy support package, to help make sure no one is facing these challenges alone. This winter, we’ll continue to support the Trust, whose work brings real, lasting impact to people’s lives.
“We urge anyone who is worried about keeping their home warm this winter to apply to the fund or visit an advice center and access the support available.”
It comes after energy bills went up again last week. The Ofgem energy price cap will rise from £1,720 a year to £1,755 a year on October 1.
These figures are how much the typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit can expect to pay for energy. This will last until December 31, when the price cap will be updated again.
There isn’t actually a total cap on what you can pay for energy. Your bill is still charged based on how much gas and electricity you use.
The Ofgem price cap limits what you can be charged for units of gas and electricity, as well as standing charges, which are fixed daily amounts you pay to be connected to the energy network.