Applications for the British Gas Energy Trust's Energy Support Grant open on 1 October 2026, offering grants of up to £1,700 to clear energy debt. The scheme is not restricted to British Gas customers — households supplied by OVO, Boost, E.ON Next, EDF, ScottishPower, Octopus, Shell Energy, SSE, Utility Warehouse or Sainsbury's Energy may also qualify.
Who can apply and how
Anyone applying must first have explored the options available through their own supplier. British Gas stated: "If you are a customer of OVO, Boost, E.ON Next, EDF, ScottishPower, Octopus, Shell Energy, SSE, Utility Warehouse or Sainsbury's Energy, you must apply to your supplier's support fund first. You can only apply to us if you have recently been declined by your supplier's support fund. Evidence of the decline will be required."
The Energy Support Grant opens on 1 October, featuring a more straightforward application process this year, designed to make it simpler for eligible households struggling with energy debt to access grants of up to £1,700.
Support package and impact
Gary Booker, Managing Director at British Gas, said: "When people are worried about their finances, knowing where to turn for help can make a real difference. At British Gas, we're going further to help those who are struggling with energy costs through our £140 million support package. This means making sure our customers can access the help they need and, through our funding of the British Gas Energy Trust, that anyone struggling with energy debt can receive support, regardless of who supplies their energy."
British Gas Energy Trust Chief Executive Officer Maff Potts said: "We know that asking for help with money or energy bills isn't always easy, and sometimes the first step is simply knowing that support exists. With the Energy Support Grant opening on 1 October, we've made the application process simpler than ever. Whether you need support yourself or know someone who might, we'd encourage people to find out more and pass it on."
During 2025-26 alone, the Trust assisted more than 101,100 individuals by managing £34.2 million worth of debt, while also providing £15.5 million in fuel vouchers, grants, financial advice and essential white goods through its network of trusted delivery partners.
Eligibility criteria and winter pressures
- Prepayment meter customers must owe between £50 – £1,700 in energy debt.
- Credit account customers must owe between £100 – £1,700 in energy debt.
- You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years.
- You live in England, Wales or Scotland.
- You have received money advice or guidance within the last 6 months. You will need to provide the full money advice document, as screenshots or partial pages cannot be accepted.
- You are seeking a grant to clear outstanding debt on a current energy account in your name and place of residence. We cannot consider applications for closed accounts (i.e. if you have moved home or changed supplier).
- You have a household income of less than £25,000 or someone in the household: Is registered disabled and receives a disability benefit (inclusive of Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Employment Support Allowance, Attendance Allowance, UC with disability premium or Limited Capability for Work & Work related Activity, Severe Disablement Allowance and Scottish equivalents). Receives Carers Allowance. Has 3+ children. Is a single household occupant. Is a lone parent household with less than 3 children. Is in or facing fuel poverty.
Households are facing heightened winter pressure from energy bills after regulator Ofgem raised its price cap by 4% to a three-year high, taking effect from October 1 when bills will rise by £60 per year – or £5 per month – to £1,723 for the average household using both electricity and gas.
Analysts have forecast a further 9% hike from January.
