Major energy suppliers are now providing grants to households experiencing financial difficulties. Some offer support to their own customers - EDF, E.on Next and Scottish Power - whilst British Gas's hardship scheme is available to customers of other suppliers too.
Most of the help offered is in the form of a non-repayable grant worth thousands that goes towards reducing energy debts. This could be vital for struggling households as the latest predictions suggest that typical energy bills could hit over £4500 a year by January 2023.
Available to customers of other suppliers
British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Families Fund
- In or facing fuel poverty
- Can't have had British Gas grant in past two years
- See full info on the British Gas website
Grant of up to £1,500
Apply via the British Gas website
Available to their own customers
EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
- Experiencing hardship, or struggling to manage energy debt
- See full info on the EDF website
Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value
Via the 'Let's Talk' web form or by calling 0800 269 450 (1)
E.on Next Energy Fund
Also open to customers of Sainsbury's Energy
- No set criteria, but based on needs and ability to pay energy bills
- See full info on the E.on Next website
Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value
Via the 'Let's Talk' web form or by calling 03303 801 090 (1)
Octopus Energy Octo Assist Fund
Also open to customers of: Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power, M&S Energy
- No specific eligibility criteria
- See full info on the Octopus website
No set grant limit – depends on your circumstances
Via the Octopus web form (you must be logged into your account)
Scottish Power Hardship Fund
- In receipt of: income support, jobseeker's allowance, pension credit, or employment and support allowance
- See full info on the Scottish Power website
Grant value varies depending on need and funds available
Ovo Energy Hardship Scheme
Also open to customers of: Boost, SSE
- Experiencing hardship, or struggling to manage energy debt
- See more info on the Ovo website
Call Ovo on 0330 303 5063 or use its live chat (online form coming soon)
Shell Energy Support Fund
- No specific eligibility criteria
- See full info on the Shell Energy website
No set grant limit – depends on your circumstances
Call Shell on 0330 094 5800
Utility Warehouse Customer Support Scheme (in partnership with charity Citizens Advice)
- In fuel poverty, or about to go into energy debt or run out of prepay credit
- See full info on the Citizens Advice website
Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value
Call Utility Warehouse on 0333 777 0777
(1) 'Let's Talk' is part of 'Charis', an organisation that helps support those in utility debt.