British Gas has relaunched its Energy Support Fund, offering households in England, Scotland, and Wales the opportunity to receive up to £2,000 in assistance with their energy bills.
This fund is targeted at existing British Gas customers who are facing energy debt or are at risk of fuel poverty during the winter season. Eligible households must have energy debt ranging from £50 to £2,000 on a pre-payment meter, or between £250 and £2,000 on a credit account.
To apply for this support, applicants must have sought help from a money advice agency in the past six months or utilized the online budgeting tool provided in the application process. Interested British Gas customers who meet the criteria can submit their applications on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Last year, nearly 6,000 households in England, Scotland, and Wales benefited from the Energy Support Fund. Individuals who are not British Gas customers may qualify for aid through the Individuals and Families Fund, which offers assistance for energy debt up to £1,700 on prepayment or credit accounts.
Centrica’s Chief Executive, Chris O’Shea, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting customers facing financial challenges during the winter months. He highlighted the allocation of £140 million towards voluntary energy support, aimed at addressing energy debt and fuel poverty.
With energy bills recently increasing, the Ofgem energy price cap will rise from £1,720 to £1,755 per year starting October 1. This price cap affects the typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit and will remain in effect until December 31.
It is important to note that while there is a price cap on the charges for gas and electricity units, the total bill is determined by the amount of energy consumed. The Ofgem price cap sets limits on the charges for gas and electricity units, as well as standing charges that are fixed daily fees for energy network connections.