Energy Bills Help & Support UK 2026 — Grants, Schemes & Savings

Energy bills remain a significant expense for UK households. Here’s how to access help if you’re struggling and reduce your bills long-term.

Financial Help Available

Overview of Main Support

Scheme	Amount	Who Qualifies
Warm Home Discount	£150/year	Low income + benefits
Winter Fuel Payment	£100-300	Born before certain date
Cold Weather Payment	£25 per cold week	Certain benefits
Household Support Fund	Varies	Local council
ECO4 scheme	Free measures	Benefits/low income
Supplier hardship funds	Varies	Struggling customers

Warm Home Discount

Eligibility

Group	Criteria
Core group	Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Broader group	Low income + supplier criteria

How to Apply

If	Action
Core group	Automatic (no action needed)
Broader group	Apply through supplier

Payment: £150 credit applied to electricity account, typically winter.

Winter Fuel Payment

Who Gets It

Criteria	Amount
Born before 23 September 1958	£100-300
Living alone/with non-qualifying person	Higher amount
Living with qualifying person	Split payment
Receiving certain benefits	Different rules may apply

How It Works

Aspect	Details
When paid	November-December
How claimed	Automatic if receiving State Pension
If not receiving State Pension	May need to claim
Living abroad	Limited circumstances

Cold Weather Payment

Triggering Conditions

Criteria	Details
Temperature	Below 0°C for 7+ consecutive days
Eligibility	Certain benefits (Pension Credit, UC with certain elements)
Amount	£25 per cold period
Payment	Automatic within 14 days

ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)

What’s Available

Measure	What’s Funded
Insulation	Loft, cavity wall, solid wall
Heating	Boiler replacement, heat pump
Other	Smart thermostats, draught proofing

Eligibility

Qualifying Criteria
On certain benefits (UC, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
Low income (below threshold)
In fuel poverty (provider assessment)
Living in least efficient homes (EPC D, E, F, G)

How to Apply

Step	Action
1	Check eligibility at Simple Energy Advice (gov.uk)
2	Contact your energy supplier
3	Or find local installer
4	Survey of property
5	Measures installed

Supplier Hardship Funds

Major Supplier Funds

Supplier	Fund	Typical Help
British Gas	Energy Trust	Grants for debt
EDF	Customer Support Fund	Rebates, payment support
Octopus	Octo Assist	Flexible support
OVO	Customer Support Fund	Rebates
E.ON	Next Energy Fund	Debt relief
Scottish Power	Hardship Fund	Bill support

What They Offer

Help Type	What It Is
Debt write-off	Clear some/all arrears
Payment plans	Manageable instalments
Emergency credit	Prepayment meters
Benefits check	Identify unclaimed support
Energy efficiency	Free measures

If You’re in Debt

Your Rights

Supplier Must	Details
Offer payment plan	Affordable repayments
Explain all options	Debt support, grants
Not disconnect in winter	Extra protection for vulnerable
Give notice	Before enforcement action
Install prepayment meter safely	Strict rules

Getting Help

Step	Action
1	Contact supplier directly
2	Explain your situation
3	Ask about hardship support
4	Request affordable payment plan
5	Ask for benefits check
6	Contact Citizens Advice if no progress

Cutting Your Bills

Quick Wins

Action	Typical Saving
Turn thermostat down 1°C	£145/year
Switch off standby	£65/year
Wash clothes at 30°C	£28/year
Fill the kettle less	£13/year
Shorter showers	£95/year
Draught proofing	£125/year
LED lightbulbs	£65/year

Medium-Term Savings

Action	Typical Saving	Cost
Switch tariff	£100-300/year	Free
Thermostat/TRVs	£150-200/year	£100-300
Insulation (DIY loft)	£200-300/year	£200-400
Smart meter	Better control	Free

Bigger Investments

Measure	Typical Saving	Cost	Payback
Cavity wall insulation	£300/year	£500-1,500	2-5 years
Loft insulation (pro)	£250/year	£300-500	1-2 years
New boiler	£200-400/year	£2,000-4,000	5-20 years
Solar panels	£300-500/year	£5,000-10,000	10-20 years
Heat pump	Varies	£7,000-15,000	Long

Prepayment Meters

Extra Help Available

Support	Details
Emergency credit	£5-15 when out of credit
Friendly credit	Won’t disconnect evenings/weekends
Extra care	Vulnerable customers
No standing charge period	Some suppliers offer

If Forced onto Prepayment

Your Rights	Details
Warrant required	Court process
Vulnerability check	Must assess before installation
Pay-as-you-go rates	Should be comparable
Emergency credit	Must be provided
Remove meter	Possible after debt cleared

Social Tariffs (Coming)

What’s Expected

Feature	Details
Discounted rate	For low-income households
Ofgem involvement	Setting criteria
Targeted support	More efficient than blanket help
Timeline	Under development

Priority Services Register

Free Extra Support

If You	Free Service
Are of pensionable age	Priority reconnection
Have disability	Advance notice of outages
Have chronic illness	Bill reading in accessible formats
Use medical equipment	Extra protection
Have young children	Priority in emergencies

Ask your supplier about the Priority Services Register — completely free.

Where to Get Help

Key Contacts

Organisation	Help With
Citizens Advice	All aspects, free advice
Ofgem	Supplier complaints
Money Helper	Debt advice
National Debt Line	Debt help
Turn2us	Benefits check
Local council	Local funds
Age UK	Pensioner support

Action Checklist

If Struggling with Bills

Step	Action	Notes
☐	Contact supplier	First port of call
☐	Request payment plan	Affordable amounts
☐	Ask about hardship fund	Debt relief
☐	Check benefit entitlement	Could unlock more help
☐	Apply for Warm Home Discount	If eligible
☐	Check ECO4 eligibility	Free measures
☐	Contact local council	Household Support Fund
☐	Speak to Citizens Advice	If stuck

Key Takeaways

1. Contact supplier first — they have legal obligations to help
2. Check all benefits — may unlock more support
3. Warm Home Discount — £150 if you qualify
4. ECO4 scheme — free insulation/boiler possible
5. Hardship funds — every supplier has them
6. You won’t be cut off easily — strong protections exist

For related content, see our universal credit guide, cost of living guide, and how to save money.