The announcement comes as millions of households face mounting energy arrears and higher heating costs. With bills having risen in October and another increase expected in January, the supplier is expanding its support for customers struggling to manage their payments.
EDF Sets Aside £6 Million for Debt Relief and Practical Support
EDF will allocate £6 million to debt relief and debt-matching through its Customer Support Fund during 2026/27. A further £24 million will support existing services for vulnerable customers, bringing the total package to £30 million. According to GB News, the fund cleared approximately £2.5 million in debt last year, with more than 85 per cent of customers receiving relief remaining debt-free 12 months later.
The assistance is intended to help households reduce outstanding balances, maintain affordable payments and establish manageable repayment arrangements. Support extends beyond financial assistance. EDF has confirmed that eligible customers may receive electrical equipment, including heaters, alongside free gas safety checks and assistance for partially sighted people.
The supplier also works with charities including Scope and Age UK to support customers facing difficult circumstances. One customer living with paralysis had accumulated more than £4,000 in energy debt because of additional energy costs associated with their disability. Following a referral from Citizens Advice Plymouth, assistance from the fund helped them increase regular payments and begin reducing their balance. They are now on course to become debt-free within nine months.
Joe Souto, EDF’s director of retail, said the company was focusing on helping customers reduce debt, regain control of their finances and achieve greater financial stability.
EDF unveils £30 million winter support package, including debt relief and free heaters for vulnerable households
£150 Electricity Discount Available As Energy Debt Rises
The support package comes amid mounting concern about unpaid energy bills across Britain. According to the same source, more than five million customers are now in energy debt, with the number doubling over the past three years. Around 75 per cent of unpaid energy debt has no repayment arrangement in place. That unpaid debt currently adds approximately £60 to the average domestic energy bill.
Consultancy Baringa estimates that this could reach £100 if total energy debt climbs to £7 billion by the end of the year.
Separately, eligible households can receive £150 through the government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme, which provides a one-off reduction in electricity costs. According to EDF’s guidance, eligible customers in England, Wales and Scotland may receive the rebate automatically if they or their partner receive a qualifying means-tested benefit on the qualifying date.
Customers qualifying through the Core Group do not need to apply. In Scotland, other eligible EDF customers may apply through the Scotland Broader Group, subject to eligibility and verification requirements.
The rebate should arrive by 31 March 2027. Depending on the meter type, it will be credited directly to an electricity account or meter, or provided through a voucher. EDF customers seeking debt assistance can apply through the company’s Customer Support Fund, providing their account details, outstanding balances and information about household finances.
