How to Get Help with Your Energy Bills: British Gas Offers Support of up to £2,000

Struggling with high energy bills? British Gas may have a solution for you. The energy provider is offering grants of up to £2,000 to assist individuals and families with their energy debt.

This support is not limited to British Gas customers – it is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria. Since 2021, over 21,000 grants have been awarded through the British Gas Energy Trust, an independent charity established by British Gas.

The grants were initially limited to £1,500, but they have now been increased to £2,000. There are two different grants available, each with its own set of eligibility requirements. The Individuals and Family Fund and the British Gas Energy Support Fund are the two options available for those in need.

To apply for the Individuals and Family Fund, individuals must have energy debt up to £2,000, be residing in England, Scotland, or Wales, and not have received any grants from the British Gas Energy Trust within the past two years. Additionally, applicants must be seeking assistance to clear outstanding debt on their energy account, and be in or facing fuel poverty.

If an individual’s application is successful, the grant will be credited to their energy account. It is important to note that cash payments are not awarded by the British Gas Energy Trust.

For the British Gas Energy Support Fund, applicants must be British Gas customers residing in England, Scotland, or Wales. Furthermore, they must not have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 12 months. The grant is aimed at clearing outstanding debt on a gas or electricity account, and the applicant must be in or facing fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is a significant concern. In England, it is measured using the Low Income Low Energy Efficiency (LILEE) indicator. This indicates that a household is considered to be in fuel poverty if they are living in a property with a fuel poverty energy efficiency rating of band D or below, and are left with a residual income below the official poverty line after heating their home.

British Gas is not the sole energy supplier offering support funds. Other companies such as Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, OVO, Boost, SSE, and Octopus also offer similar assistance to their customers for their energy bills. However, it is essential for those eligible for support from other suppliers to apply directly to their respective companies first, so that British Gas can prioritize those who cannot access help elsewhere.

If you believe you may be eligible for a grant to assist with your energy bills, it is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and commence your application as soon as possible. Do not allow high energy bills to burden you – assistance may be available to alleviate the load.