Households across Britain can apply for up to £2,000 in energy bill support from 1 October, as British Gas reopens its Energy Support Fund. The scheme targets customers facing fuel poverty or struggling with energy debt.
The new initiative comes as energy affordability becomes a pressing concern ahead of the colder months. British Gas, owned by Centrica, says the fund aims to provide timely, practical help to customers most at risk of financial strain.
Applications Open 1 October for Vulnerable Households
British Gas has announced the return of its Energy Support Fund, a multi-million-pound initiative designed to assist customers with energy debt between £50 and £2,000. The scheme, which opens on Tuesday, 1 October, offers one-off grants to existing customers in England, Scotland and Wales who are experiencing difficulty paying their gas and electricity bills.
According to British Gas, the fund is aimed at supporting customers on pre-payment meters with debt starting at £50, and those on credit accounts with debts from £250. Applications can be submitted via the British Gas Energy Trust website. To be eligible, applicants must have received money advice in the past six months or used the Trust’s online budgeting tool during their application.
The scheme follows a similar initiative from last winter, which reportedly provided £4.2 million in support to households across Great Britain. Centrica chief executive Chris O’Shea said: “As winter approaches, we know that rising household bills are a real worry for many people across the UK. We want our customers to know that we’re here to support them.”
British Gas says it has allocated £140 million in aid to customers since 2021, underlining the company’s broader commitment to tackling fuel poverty.
Additional In-Person Support and Wider Fund Access
In addition to direct financial assistance, British Gas is expanding in-person advice services this winter. Post Office Pop Ups, funded by the British Gas Energy Trust, will offer access to trained advisors able to help customers manage bills, check benefit entitlements, and understand the full range of available support. The sessions are open to customers who may require face-to-face guidance, particularly those who are digitally excluded.
The company also maintains a separate Individuals and Families Fund, which is open to any energy customer, regardless of their supplier. This fund provides support of up to £1,700 for those dealing with energy debt on either prepayment or credit meters. In a direct message to customers, Mr O’Shea urged: “We urge anyone who is worried about keeping their home warm this winter to apply to the fund or visit an advice centre and access the support available.”
