UK households are set to receive assistance with their energy bills from the nation’s leading suppliers. As autumn and winter approach, British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, and Octopus are offering support schemes in light of the new October 1 price cap.
Customers concerned about their energy bills can seek help from their provider or access a special scheme by British Gas if they qualify. From October 1, when Ofgem updates its energy price cap, the average household will face annual energy bills of £1,714.
Each energy company has its own unique support programs, which are typically available during the peak winter months when heating demand soars. Here are the specifics for each of the major company funds:
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 are 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 utilise its Energy Hub to comprehend 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 – £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.