Thousands of households facing financial difficulties may qualify for up to £1,700 in energy assistance from British Gas, regardless of whether they are customers or not. The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its fund for Individuals and Families, catering to both pre-payment and credit customers who are in energy debt.
To be eligible for the support, pre-payment customers must owe between £50 and £1,700 in energy debt, while credit customers must have debts ranging from £250 to £1,700. Additionally, households with an income below £18,723 or residing with a disabled individual receiving benefits, a Carers Allowance recipient, or a household with three or more children may also qualify.
Potential applicants are advised to seek guidance from free money advice organizations like Citizens Advice prior to applying for the fund. Individuals who have previously received assistance from their energy supplier or the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years are ineligible to apply.
British Gas Energy Trust’s CEO, Jessica Taplin, expressed satisfaction in reopening the fund to assist households struggling with energy costs. The fund aims to provide essential support to households, irrespective of their energy supplier, ensuring they can maintain warmth and safety in their homes.
This initiative coincides with the recent increase in energy bills, with the Ofgem price cap rising to £1,755 for a standard dual fuel household on a variable rate tariff. While the price cap offers some protection, it does not restrict the total amount customers may pay for energy, which is based on actual usage.
The price cap sets limits on gas and electricity unit charges, including standing charges, fixed daily fees for energy network connection. Ofgem’s estimates are based on average annual energy consumption of 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas per household.
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