Customers of major energy suppliers, including British Gas, Octopus Energy, EDF and OVO, face a deadline to secure a £150 discount on their bills this winter. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has reminded households in England and Wales receiving means-tested benefits that they must be named on their electricity bill by Sunday, August 23, to qualify for the Warm Home Discount.
Eligibility and automatic payments
Every household where the billpayer receives means-tested benefits is in line for the rebate after the scheme was expanded last year. Eligible homes must ensure their name appears on the bill to receive the £150 automatically. In England and Wales, those on Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, and Universal Credit qualify. In Scotland, the discount is also available, but the criteria differ slightly.
Millions to benefit
Around six million households are expected to receive the rebate this winter, including about 250,000 in Scotland for the first time automatically. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills.” She added: “Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter, after we expanded the scheme. If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill.”
Check your bill now
The reminder comes as suppliers will rely on records as of August 23. Those who have recently moved may not be named on their bill, and pre-payment meter users who top up with a key or card should verify their account is in their name. Missing the deadline could mean losing out on the scheme, which reopens in October.
The discount is applied by participating suppliers rather than paid directly to bank accounts. Suppliers confirmed for winter 2026-2027 include 100Green, Boost, British Gas, E, Ecotricity, EDF, EnergyCoop (via Octopus), E.ON Next, Fuse Energy, Good Energy, Home Energy, London Power, Octopus Energy, Outfox Energy, OVO, Sainsbury’s Energy, Scottish Gas (via British Gas), ScottishPower, So Energy, Square 1 Energy, TruEnergy, Tulo Energy, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse.
This comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed VAT will be removed from domestic electricity bills from October 1, saving £45 off the yearly price cap.
