Government help with energy bills: schemes available in 2026

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill each winter. For the 2026 to 2027 scheme year in England and Wales, households getting a means-tested benefit on the qualifying date (reported as 23 August 2026) can qualify, as long as the person getting the benefit, or their partner, is named on the electricity bill. Most eligible people get it automatically: the government matches records and your supplier applies the discount, usually between October and March. Scotland runs its own version, where you may need to apply to your supplier. The scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.

The Winter Fuel Payment changed twice in two years. In winter 2024 to 2025 it was limited to people getting Pension Credit or certain other benefits. From winter 2025 to 2026 it went back to almost everyone over State Pension age, but HMRC takes it back if your own taxable income is over £35,000. For winter 2026 to 2027 you must have been born on or before 27 June 1960. Most people are paid automatically in November or December 2026 and get a letter in October or November saying how much.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households, such as insulation and heating upgrades. ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026 and most suppliers are no longer taking new applications. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed in March 2026.

In England, the main route now is the Warm Homes: Local Grant, run by councils for low-income households in homes with poor energy ratings. In Wales, the Warm Homes Nest scheme offers similar help. Ask your council what is available. If you want a heat pump, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 in England and Wales regardless of income.

In England and Wales, Cold Weather Payments are made automatically when the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for 7 days in a row. You get £25 for each qualifying 7-day period between 1 November and 31 March. You must be getting certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, income-related ESA, income-based JSA, Universal Credit (with conditions, for example a disabled child or limited capability for work and not employed), or Support for Mortgage Interest. Scotland has a Winter Heating Payment instead, paid once a year to eligible people regardless of the weather.

Many energy suppliers run hardship funds or charitable trusts that can help customers in debt or struggling to pay. The British Gas Energy Trust is one of the best known and has offered grants to people who are not British Gas customers, usually through partner advice agencies. Octopus, E.ON, EDF and others have their own schemes. Eligibility and opening times vary, so check each fund's website.

If you are behind on energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as you can. Ofgem rules require suppliers to offer affordable repayment plans based on what you can afford, and suppliers must not disconnect a household of pensioners, or with someone vulnerable, during winter. Ask to join the Priority Services Register if you have a disability, a serious health condition, are of pensionable age or have young children. You can also get free debt advice from Citizens Advice, StepChange or National Debtline.