Prepayment meter customers encouraged to apply for help as energy price cap changes
With the energy price cap changing again today, many households across Britain, particularly those using prepayment meters (PPM), may be feeling anxious about how they’ll manage their bills this summer.
From today, 1 July, to 30 September, the energy price cap will decrease by 7%, a reduction of about £11 per month compared to the previous quarter. While this is a welcome change for many families, even this modest saving may not be enough to help the over 50% of PPM customers who were in debt to their supplier at the end of 2024.
The British Gas Energy Trust is a fuel poverty charity that offers energy debt grants direct to struggling households. Their Individuals and Families Fund (I&F) currently provides grants of up to £1,700 to eligible PPM customers in arrears with any energy supplier, if that supplier does not have its own support scheme.
“Unlike customers who pay by direct debit, those on prepayment meters often see their debts taken immediately from any credit they add,” said Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust. “That means they can run out of energy more quickly, and risk slipping into a cycle of debt that’s much harder to escape. Our Individuals and Families Fund provides lifechanging grants to households facing this cycle, and we encourage anyone to check the criteria and apply.”
I&F has helped people like 29-year-old Heather*, who found herself in financial difficulty following a relationship breakdown and redundancy. She was not eligible for redundancy pay and was relying on friends and family to support her whilst she searched for a new role. Heather managed to secure part-time employment that covered her ongoing energy charges but was unable to clear her debt. Heather applied for I&F and was awarded £1,102, giving her a fresh start.
*Named changed to protect client’s identity.
