The country’s major energy suppliers – including British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON and Octopus – are set to provide assistance to households struggling with their energy bills. With the new price cap taking effect on October 1, the average household can expect to pay £1,714 annually.
Customers worried about their energy bills can reach out to their provider for help or explore special schemes, such as the one offered by British Gas, if they meet the eligibility criteria. Each energy company has its own support programs, typically available during the peak winter months when heating demand is high.
Here’s a breakdown of the support funds offered by the major energy companies:
British Gas – up to £2,000 when available
The British Gas Energy Trust operates two support funds. The British Gas Energy Support Fund is exclusively for British Gas customers and hasn’t reopened for this winter yet, reports Birmingham Live.
The British Gas Individual and Families Fund is available to any energy firm’s customers, including those of British Gas.
“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, our support fund has helped more than 21,000 British Gas customers since 2021 with energy debt write off grants worth up to £2,000. It’s also funding extra money advice services across England, Scotland and Wales, building on the support already offered to all households,” the company states.
The Energy Support Fund has temporarily halted applications, but eligibility criteria require applicants to be British Gas credit or pre-payment meter customers residing in England, Scotland, or Wales. Applicants must not have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the past year and be seeking aid to clear debts on an active gas, electricity, or dual fuel account in their name, associated with their primary residence.
To qualify, individuals must have energy debts ranging from £250 to £2,000, be experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty, and have engaged with a money advice or guidance agency. The Individual and Families Fund is accessible to both pre-payment meter and credit customers, including those who aren’t British Gas clients.
EDF Energy – £91
EDF Energy offers a Customer Support Fund, stating: “EDF provides support for individuals struggling to manage household energy debt. As well as providing support for standard freestanding appliances. We may require you to take actions to help you get back on track with your energy payments.”
The company further explains: “Our Customer Support Fund helps our vulnerable customers who are struggling with energy bills and debt. You can apply for a grant or support from the fund, but only after you have had independent debt advice.”
EDF has revealed that customers who use its Energy Hub to check their usage can actively decrease their bills by up to £41 annually, whilst also reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, customers and their friends can secure an extra £50 off their bill by signing up to ‘Refer a Friend’ on their online account.
E. On Next
The E. On Next Energy Fund has been established to assist customers who are facing financial difficulties.
The fund offers two forms of support: it can help with paying your energy bill arrears through grants, or replace appliances such as cookers, fridges, fridge-freezers or washing machines if they are broken or in poor condition.
The Fund provides aid with debt relief and energy-efficient appliances like cookers, fridges and washing machines, replacing old or faulty models. Smaller products are also available to help keep customers warm during the colder months.
Octopus Energy – up to £700
Octopus customers can apply for grants of up to £500 and have their standing charges waived by contacting the Octo Assist fund. The fund will also pay between £50 and £200 to pensioners who are losing their Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
Ovo Energy
Ovo is set to launch a £50 million Extra Support Package on 1 October 2024. The package, which includes payment holidays for all prepayment customers, free energy-saving products, energy efficiency upgrades and financial support such as Direct Debit reductions, emergency credit top-ups, and extended repayment plans, goes beyond the Warm Home Discount.
This means that even customers who miss out on winter fuel payments may still be eligible for support from OVO.
