Get help with your energy bills

Struggling with the rising cost of energy? You’re not alone. With the average annual energy bill now £1,717 and 6 million households in Britain in fuel poverty, the cost-of-living crisis is hitting hard. And with the energy price cap set to rise again in January, there are even tougher times ahead.

But there’s help available. Here’s the support you might be eligible for.

Energy supplier grants

If you’re behind with your energy bills, the first thing you need to do is speak to your supplier. Many energy companies offer grants and schemes to help you catch up.

Find your supplier below to see if you can apply.

• British Gas Energy Trust
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund
• Ovo Energy Fund
• E.ON Next Energy Fund
• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’
• Boost Power Energy Bills Support Fund

Not with one of these companies? Don’t worry, you may still qualify for help.

British Gas Energy Trust

The British Gas Energy Trust helps with gas and electricity debts and you don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply. However, you must try your own supplier first.

Check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust.

You can find more details about energy supplier grants and how to apply for them in our guide on financial help from your energy supplier.

Household support fund

You might be able to get cash or vouchers to help with energy costs through the household support fund (HSF). You’ll need to contact your council to find out more, as each local authority decides how to distribute the money to residents in its area.

Who can apply?

If you're in hardship, crisis or vulnerable, you might be able to apply. And no, claiming benefits isn’t a must. And, if you are and you get help from the HSF, your benefits won’t be affected.

How to apply

Get in touch with your local council to see if you can apply.

Fuel vouchers

If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, ask your local council, food bank or Citizens Advice about fuel vouchers. They add credit to your meter, so you don’t have to worry about running out of gas or electricity.

Priority services register

Do you have young children? Are you pregnant? Have you reached state pension age? Do you struggle with English? Do you have a health condition or disability? Any of these, and a range of other factors, might mean you qualify to be included on the priority services register for extra support from energy and water companies.

Find out more about the priority services register.

Grants for home energy improvements

 Want to save on energy bills long-term? There are grants to help make your home more energy efficient. They include:

• the energy company obligation (ECO) scheme 
• the great British insulation scheme (GBIS) 
• the home upgrade grant scheme - if you don’t use mains gas to heat your home 
• the boiler upgrade scheme 
• the connected for warmth insulation scheme 

 The grants are given out by local councils, social housing providers and charities. What you receive depends on how your provider chooses to use the grant.

Get in touch with your local council to find out more.

Warm home discount 

The warm home discount gives you a one-off discount on your electricity costs. If you're eligible, your supplier will apply the discount directly to your bill.

Winter fuel payment 

If you’re over state pension age and receive certain benefits, you could be eligible for the winter fuel payment. If you’re under 80, you’ll get a one-off payment of £200. If you’re 80 or over, it’s £300.

Not on pension credit? Around 880,000 pensioners haven’t claimed it yet, even though they’re eligible.

Use our free benefits calculator to make sure you’re not missing out.

Help in your region

• Scotland: Home Energy Scotland offers grants for home improvements, including insulation and heating upgrades.
• Wales: The Nest scheme provides free advice and energy-saving upgrades, including new boilers, insulation and heat pumps.
• Northern Ireland: There are grants available to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Want to save more on energy? There’s plenty you can do to reduce your bills. From getting your boiler checked to swapping your oven for an air fryer, we’ve got 50 clever tips to help you slash your bills.