Struggling households could receive up to £1,700 in energy support from British Gas, even if they are not customers. The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individual and Families Fund for both pre-payment and credit households. To qualify, individuals must have energy debt between £50 and £1,700 for pre-payment customers, or between £250 and £1,700 for credit customers.
Additionally, households must have a total income below £18,723, live with a registered disabled person receiving disability benefits, someone receiving Carers Allowance, or reside in a household with three or more children.
Applicants meeting the criteria should seek advice from free money advice charities like Citizens Advice before applying for the fund. Those who have been declined help by their energy supplier or have received a grant from British Gas Energy Trust in the last two years are ineligible to apply.
Jessica Taplin, the British Gas Energy Trust boss, expressed the importance of reopening the fund to assist households facing high energy costs and financial challenges. The fund aims to provide crucial support to keep homes warm and families safe, regardless of the energy supplier.
Meanwhile, energy bills have increased with the Ofgem price cap rising to £1,755 for standard dual fuel households paying by direct debit. The price cap, effective until December 31, applies to those on standard variable rate tariffs. However, actual energy costs depend on usage, with the cap limiting charges for gas and electricity units, as well as fixed daily standing charges.
The Ofgem price cap is based on typical energy consumption, assuming an average household uses 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas annually.