British Gas urges customers to come forward for free £2,000 payment

The British Gas Energy Trust has opened applications for its winter Energy Support Fund. The British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charitable organisation funded solely by British Gas, has officially reopened its Energy Support Fund for applications today. 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%).

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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."

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 and 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 and have received assistance from a money advice agency in the last 6 months.