Energy Grants, Discounts and Help with Bills in the UK Energy Bills Help & Support UK 2026 — Grants, Schemes & Savings Complete guide to getting help with energy bills in the UK. Government schemes, grants, discounts, and practical ways to reduce costs.
By James Whitfield
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16 March 2026
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Last reviewed: 20 March 2026
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4 min read 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.
For a broader starting point covering discounts, seasonal payments, hardship support and bill-help routes in one place, see our Energy Grants, Discounts and Help with Bills hub .
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 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 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 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 Contact supplier first — they have legal obligations to helpCheck all benefits — may unlock more supportWarm Home Discount — £150 if you qualifyECO4 scheme — free insulation/boiler possibleHardship funds — every supplier has themYou won’t be cut off easily — strong protections existFor related content, see our universal credit guide , cost of living guide , and how to save money .