Receive up to £2,000 to help with energy debt this winter
A recent survey commissioned by British Gas on behalf of British Gas Energy Trust indicates 42% of people are worried about meeting the cost of energy bills this winter, with over a third of respondents admitting to already struggling with their energy bills to some extent.
Ofgem recently announced a 1.2% increase to the energy price cap from January 2025. This increase means a typical annual bill now will rise to £1,738, a sum that 9 million fuel poor households across England will struggle to afford.
In 2023-24, the Trust was able to support over 5,300 households with more than £7.8m in energy debt grants.
The British Gas Energy Trust currently has two energy debt support funds open, available to those with debt on credit or pre-payment meter accounts.
The Individuals and Families Fund provides up to £1,700 in energy debt grants to British Gas and non-British Gas customers.
The Energy Support Fund offers energy debt grants up to £2,000 to British Gas customers only.
One client to receive support was Miss M. Miss M is 27 years old, lives in a housing association property and is registered disabled. She is also a full-time carer for her disabled 5-year-old child and must keep the house warm due to her child’s complex care needs. She has been receiving support from StepChange and is working towards her financial stability. Miss M was awarded a British Gas Energy Trust grant of £1,341.
Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Jessica Taplin said:
“45% of people have never sought help when struggling to manage energy bills. Add to this the recent energy price cap increase announcement, and the rising cost of living, and a growing number of individuals- many of whom may have previously been able to manage their expenses- are likely to experience fuel poverty.
“One of the most important steps for anyone struggling with their energy bills is to reach out to their energy supplier. Many energy companies provide customer service teams specifically dedicated to supporting vulnerable customers, and these teams can offer a variety of solutions. This includes payment plans, flexible billing arrangements, or access to hardship funds.
“In addition to contacting your energy supplier, it’s also a good idea to check your eligibility for external support. The Trust’s support funds may be able to assist further, and we encourage every household to apply if they qualify or to share this information with friends and family, as no one should have to navigate these challenging times alone.”
A man and a woman are sat at a table inside a hall. A third women in a large coat stands next to them with a drink.
