As temperatures drop and financial pressures rise, the Trust’s initiative provides critical energy debt relief to households facing economic hardships due to increasing living costs.

The Energy Support Fund is available to British Gas customers with credit and pre-payment meter accounts, offering grants of up to £2,000 to help clear outstanding energy debt. This fund complements the already open Individuals and Families Fund, which assists both British Gas and non-British Gas customers in reducing energy debt, ensuring broad access to financial assistance.

A recent survey of 2,000 adults conducted by British Gas as part of the Post Office pop-up outreach programme revealed that 39% struggle to manage their bills, yet nearly half (45%) have not sought help. Many people avoid seeking assistance due to perceived ineligibility (34%), stigma (28%), and lack of information (26%).

With winter ahead, 42% are worried about managing their finances. The British Gas Energy Trust has responded to this demand, partnering with the Post Office and eight community-based charities to offer free, drop-in events throughout the UK, providing budget planning, energy debt advice, and information on energy-saving measures.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, stated: “This winter is likely to be as challenging as the last, and the British Gas Energy Trust are committed to helping people get back on top of their energy bills before the really cold weather arrives. The reopening of the Energy Support Fund offers eligible households an opportunity to clear up to £2,000 of energy debt, helping ensure that people can keep their homes warm and healthy this winter.”

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 financial stability. Miss M was awarded a British Gas Energy Trust grant of £1,341.

Support Available from the British Gas Energy Trust

• Debt Relief Grants – Provides eligible households with grants of up to £2,000 to clear energy debt.
• Emergency Small Grants – Fuel vouchers provided through our community support programme and trusted partners for immediate energy needs.
• Community Support Programme – Funds over 41 charities across Britain, including Citizens Advice offices, to deliver budget planning, benefits guidance and energy efficiency advice.
• White Goods Programme – Essential appliances are available to qualifying households through our community support programme. 

Over the past year, the Trust has granted over £16 million in energy debt relief and an additional £2 million in emergency fuel vouchers to support households facing financial difficulties. 

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Energy Support Fund:

• Be a British Gas customer living in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Have energy debt between £50 - £2,000 on a pre-payment meter or £250 - £2,000 on a credit account
• Be experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty
• Have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last 6 months
• Have not received a grant from the Trust in the past 12 months 

For the Individuals and Families Fund (open to both British Gas and non-British Gas customers), eligibility includes:

• Have energy debt up to £1,700 on a credit or pre-payment meter account
• Be living in England, Scotland, or Wales
• Be seeking assistance with energy debt related to the primary residence
• Have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last 6 months

Please note that applicants with energy suppliers who offer their own support funds may not qualify for the Individuals and Families Fund. 

The British Gas Energy Trust encourages anyone in need of support to apply or to learn more about eligibility criteria through the Trust’s website. Visit British Gas Energy Trust for more details on the application process.