More than £1m provided to households this winter

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Thousands of British Gas customers have already received vital help towards their energy costs this winter through the Energy Support Fund, with over £1,000,000 given to families struggling with their energy bills.

The Energy Support Fund, funded by British Gas and distributed by independent charity the British Gas Energy Trust, offers grants of up to £2,000 to help households with energy debts. The fund is available to eligible British Gas customers with credit or prepayment meter accounts across England, Scotland and Wales.

British Gas is urging households who may be struggling with their energy bills to check whether they are eligible for support from the British Gas Energy Trust.

Funding for the Energy Support Fund forms part of British Gas’s wider voluntary support package for customers and communities across the country - the largest of its kind in the energy market. Since 2021, British Gas has committed more than £140 million in voluntary support, and when combined with the Warm Home Discount scheme contributions, this takes its total support package to just over £469 million, helping households most in need with the cost of energy.

Gary Booker, Managing Director of British Gas, said: “We know this winter has been particularly tough and many households are still struggling with the cost of living, which is why we want to help in any way we can. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to look at the support and advice available from the British Gas Energy Trust.

 “We’ve committed £140 million through the UK’s largest voluntary energy support package to make sure households can access practical financial support at a time when it’s needed most. This funds grants and advice for our customers but also the broader work of the British Gas Energy Trust which helps all households - because we think it’s fair that anyone can access this support no matter who their supplier is.” 

Tracey Talbot, Interim CEO of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “Falling behind on your bills can happen to anyone. The Energy Support Fund exists to provide real, accessible help to British Gas customers facing energy debt, and I urge anyone who is struggling to reach out for support. In addition, our energy advice events happening all across Britain offer practical advice not only on applying to the Energy Support Fund but also with any other energy and money pressures, from understanding bills to improving energy efficiency, so no one has to face these challenges alone.”

British Gas customers who meet the criteria can apply for the Energy Support Fund via the British Gas Energy Trust website. To apply, customers need to have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last six months or used the online budgeting tool available as part of their application. 

The Energy Support Fund is open to existing British Gas customers experiencing energy debt. Households with £50 - £2,000 energy debt on a pre-payment meter or £250 - £2,000 on a credit account could be eligible for the fund.* 

Additionally, over the next eight months, British Gas, in partnership with British Gas Energy Trust and 20 local charities, is running energy advice drop-in events across Britain. Open to anyone, trained money and energy advisors will be at the events to support on subjects like budget planning, benefits and income maximisation checks and energy queries. They can also book people in for further appointments, signpost to additional support, and provide free energy saving devices and advice.

British Gas customers can also receive in-person help with their British Gas account.

To find out more about the support available to customers visit - The British Gas Energy Trust - help with energy debt & more - British Gas