The energy price cap has just been increased – but there are a few schemes available that can help reduce your bills
Some people could be eligible for extra help with their bills (Image: Getty Images)
Energy bills have just increased again – but there are a few schemes available that can help keep costs down this winter. The Ofgem price cap has just risen from £1,720 to £1,755 for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit.
However, there is not actually a total cap on what you can pay for energy. Your bill is still charged based on how much gas and electricity you use.
The Ofgem price cap limits what you can be charged for units of gas and electricity, as well as standing charges. However, if you are still concerned about your energy bills throughout the winter period, you could get hundreds of pounds’ worth of support to help ease the financial pressure, reports the Mirror.
Read below for a full breakdown of the help and extra support currently available across the UK….
Warm Home Discount – £150
You can get £150 off your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme. This is applied to your energy account, or as a voucher if you are a prepayment customer.
If you reside in England and Wales, you must be claiming certain benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit to qualify for the Warm Home Discount.
For those living in Scotland, the payment is automatic if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. However, for other benefits, you need to apply through your energy supplier.
The Warm Home Discount is typically applied from October onwards. There is no Warm Home Discount scheme in Northern Ireland.
Winter Fuel Payment – £300
Winter Fuel Payments, ranging from £100 to £300, are provided to pensioner households. The Mirror reports that the total amount received by your household depends on your age and the age of anyone you live with.
Eligibility for a Winter Fuel Payment is determined if you were born before 22 September 1959. If your income exceeds £35,000, the payment will be issued, but it must be repaid through the tax system. This income threshold applies per individual.
For instance, if you earn £30,000 annually and your partner earns £40,000, you would retain your portion of the Winter Fuel Payment, but your partner would have to repay theirs. Winter Fuel Payments are typically distributed from November onwards.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
Cold Weather Payments are made when the average temperature is recorded or predicted to be 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
Each payment is valued at £25, although multiple payments can be received if several periods of freezing weather are experienced. This scheme is currently closed but will reopen in November 2025.
To be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment, you need to be living in England or Wales and claiming certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. If you reside in Scotland, you might be entitled to a Winter Heating Payment instead, worth £59.75.
Other energy bill help
If you are finding it difficult to pay your energy bill, it’s crucial to contact your energy provider as soon as possible. Your energy firm may offer a payment plan, payment breaks and affordable debt repayments.
Most of the major energy firms provide hardship funds or grants for individuals who are in energy debt – these usually do not need to be repaid.
Typically, you need to be a customer to receive assistance, but the British Gas Energy Trust offers grants of up to £1,700 for people who aren’t British Gas customers.
Lastly, several charities can provide support and guidance if you’re struggling to pay for your energy, or if you’re in energy debt.
For wider debt help, speak to:
