Major energy supplier offering up to £1,700 credit to households with energy debt

Those struggling to pay their energy bills can apply for a grant of up to £1,700 from the British Gas Energy Trust.

It’s part of the energy supplier’s Individual and Families Fund, first set up in 2021 to give people with energy debt the chance to wipe it off.

While previous applicants in March could get up to £1,500, it’s now been increased to £1,700 to help people struggling with rising costs.

Anyone can apply for the scheme, whether you’re a customer of British Gas or are with another supplier.  

Who’s eligible for the fund?

To be considered, you have to meet all the following criteria:

• have up to £1,700 of energy debt
• be living in England, Scotland or Wales
• can’t have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the last two years
• be seeking a grant to clear outstanding debt
• have gas, electricity or dual fuel energy debt
• the energy account is in your name
• you’re facing fuel poverty
• you’ve received help from a money advice agency in the last six months

The trust’s priority is to help those who don’t have access to help from their energy supplier. So you’re encouraged to first check whether your energy supplier offers any grant or support that you could use instead.

How to apply

You can apply for the fund on the British Gas Energy Trust website. Be ready to provide proof of all your household’s income and proof that you’ve received money advice in the last six months.

If you’re a British Gas customer, you’ll need to provide a meter reading for your gas and/or electric account (unless you have a smart meter).

If you’re with another supplier, you’ll need to give a bill based on actual readings dated within four weeks, showing your name and account number. Alternatively, you can provide an email from your energy supplier confirming your name, account number, supply address and outstanding balance.

The trust doesn’t give out cash payments. If your application is successful, you’ll have credit put directly into your energy account.