British Gas has relaunched its Energy Support Fund to provide financial assistance to households in England, Scotland, and Wales for their energy bills. The fund is open to current British Gas customers facing energy debt or at risk of fuel poverty during the winter season.
Households with energy debt ranging from £50 to £2,000 on a pre-payment meter, or £250 to £2,000 on a credit account, are eligible for support. Applicants must have sought help from a money advice agency in the past six months or utilized the online budgeting tool during the application process. Those meeting the criteria can submit their applications through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Last year, nearly 6,000 households in England, Scotland, and Wales benefited from the Energy Support Fund. Non-British Gas customers may qualify for assistance under the Individuals and Families Fund, which offers support for energy debt up to £1,700 on prepayment or credit accounts.
Chris O’Shea, the Chief Executive of Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, emphasized the company’s commitment to assisting customers facing rising energy costs. With a pledge of £140 million, the largest voluntary energy support initiative in the UK, British Gas aims to combat energy debt and fuel poverty. O’Shea encouraged individuals concerned about heating their homes this winter to apply for the fund or seek advice from support centers.
Following a recent increase in energy prices, the Ofgem energy price cap will climb from £1,720 to £1,755 annually starting October 1. This cap determines the typical dual fuel household’s expected energy costs paid through direct debit until December 31, when it will be reviewed again.
While there is no overall limit on energy expenses, bills are calculated based on actual gas and electricity consumption. The Ofgem price cap restricts charges for gas and electricity units as well as standing charges, fixed daily fees for energy network connection.