What Help Is Available With Energy Bills?
Energy costs can put significant pressure on a household budget, particularly during colder months or when income changes.
Energy costs can put significant pressure on a household budget, particularly during colder months or when income changes.
There are several types of support worth checking rather than waiting until you are unable to pay.
What government support might be available?
For winter 2026 to 2027, the Warm Home Discount is a £150 discount on an eligible household’s electricity bill. The scheme reopens in October 2026 and eligibility differs across Great Britain.
Winter Fuel Payment may also be available to eligible older people in England and Wales. Scotland has a separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Cold Weather Payments can apply to some people receiving qualifying benefits when the weather meets the scheme rules.
What if I am already struggling to pay my supplier?
Contact the supplier and explain that you are in financial difficulty. Ask about an affordable repayment arrangement and any hardship funds, grants or other support it offers.
Do not agree to repayments that leave too little for rent, food or other essentials. Energy arrears are normally treated as a priority debt because energy is an essential household service.
What if I have a prepayment meter?
Contact the supplier before you run out of credit if possible. Ask what emergency or additional support is available and whether there are local crisis schemes that can help.
Warm Home Discount can still apply to eligible prepayment customers, although the way the discount is provided may differ.
Check benefits and local support
Some energy schemes are linked to qualifying benefits, so a full benefits check can be useful.
In England, councils also receive Crisis and Resilience Fund money for crisis support. Local schemes vary, so check what your council currently offers for fuel or essential household costs.
Reduce the problem without putting yourself at risk
Energy-efficiency advice may help reduce future costs, but do not make your home dangerously cold or avoid using essential medical equipment simply to reduce a bill.
If the problem is part of wider debt, free debt advice can help you look at energy arrears alongside rent, Council Tax, credit and other commitments.
7.10: How Can I Check Whether I’m Missing Out on Benefits?
7.38: What Emergency Financial Help Might My Council Provide?
7.39: I’m Struggling With Debt, Where Do I Start?
Important information
This guide provides general information and is not intended to provide financial, benefits, debt, housing or legal advice. Individual circumstances can be different. Check current information from official sources and seek advice from an appropriately qualified or authorised adviser before making important financial decisions.