British Gas has relaunched its Energy Support Fund to assist households in England, Scotland, and Wales with up to £2,000 towards their energy bills. The fund targets existing 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 the Energy Support Fund. Applicants must have sought help from a money advice agency in the past six months or utilized the online budgeting tool in their application process. Those meeting the criteria can submit their applications on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
Last year, nearly 6,000 households in England, Scotland, and Wales received aid through the Energy Support Fund. Non-British Gas customers may qualify for assistance under the Individuals and Families Fund, which provides support for energy debt up to £1,700 on either prepayment or credit accounts.
Centrica’s Chief Executive, Chris O’Shea, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting customers facing challenges with rising energy bills. With a pledge of £140 million, the largest voluntary energy support initiative in the UK, Centrica 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 assistance at advice centers.
In response to recent energy price hikes, the Ofgem energy price cap will increase from £1,720 to £1,755 annually starting on October 1. This price cap sets the expected cost for dual fuel households paying by direct debit until December 31, when it will be reviewed again. It’s important to note that while there is a cap on charges for gas and electricity units, the total bill depends on actual energy consumption.
The Ofgem price cap regulates the charges for gas and electricity units, as well as fixed standing charges for energy network connections. This initiative aims to provide transparency and protection for consumers in managing their energy expenses effectively.