Energy Suppliers Launch Winter Support Schemes Amid Price Cap Increase
British Gas is reopening its Energy Support Fund on October 1, offering grants of up to £2,000 to help households struggling with energy debt as winter approaches. The scheme, available to existing customers across England, Scotland, and Wales, targets those facing fuel poverty or accumulating debt on their energy accounts. Chris O'Shea, chief executive of British Gas parent company Centrica, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting customers during a period of rising household bills, stating that tackling energy debt remains a priority.
The Energy Support Fund, which distributed over £4.2 million in grants to vulnerable households last winter, requires applicants to have energy debt between £50 and £2,000 on pre-payment meters or £250 and £2,000 on credit accounts. Eligibility criteria include having received assistance from a money advice agency within the past six months or using the online budgeting tool provided during the application process. Applications open via the British Gas Energy Trust website at 9am on October 1, 2025.
This initiative comes as the energy price cap rises to £1,755 for the average dual-fuel household from October 1, maintaining bills above pre-crisis levels despite recent reductions from their peak. British Gas has committed £140 million to customer support since 2021, with last year's fund assisting nearly 6,000 households. Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, highlighted the fund's goal of preventing households from having to choose between heating their homes and meeting other essential needs during the winter months.
Additional government support remains available, including Winter Fuel Payments of £100-£300 for those born before September 22, 1959, though automatic payments will be clawed back for pensioners with incomes exceeding £35,000. The Warm Home Discount scheme also provides a £150 annual payment directly to electricity suppliers for eligible low-income households. British Gas encourages customers to visit local Post Office Pop Ups for further assistance and urges those concerned about bills to seek help early rather than ignore mounting debt.
