Struggling households could qualify for up to £1,700 in energy support from British Gas, even if they are not customers. The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individual and Families Fund for both pre-payment and credit households, requiring applicants to have energy debt ranging from £50 to £1,700 for pre-payment customers and £250 to £1,700 for credit customers.
To be eligible, households must have a total income below £18,723 or reside with a disabled individual receiving disability benefits, a Carers Allowance recipient, or be in a household with three or more children. Those meeting the criteria should seek advice from free money advice charities like Citizens Advice before applying for the fund.
Applicants who have been declined assistance by their current energy supplier cannot apply for the Individual and Families Fund. Similarly, individuals who have received a grant from British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years are ineligible.
British Gas Energy Trust’s CEO, Jessica Taplin, expressed satisfaction in reopening the fund to help households facing financial challenges. The fund aims to provide crucial support to households, regardless of their energy supplier, to ensure warmth and safety within homes.
This initiative coincides with the recent increase in energy bills, with the Ofgem price cap rising to £1,755 for a typical dual fuel household on a standard variable rate tariff. While the price cap limits the charges for gas and electricity units, there is no ceiling on the total energy bill, which is based on actual consumption.
The Ofgem price cap sets the maximum charges for gas and electricity units, along with fixed daily standing charges for connection to the energy network. The figure of the price cap reflects the expected annual expenses for a household with average energy consumption levels.
Households are reminded to consider their energy usage and explore available support options to manage costs effectively.