The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has said that from this week, households across England and Wales should look out for letters confirming they will receive £150 off their energy bills this winter through the Warm Home Discount.
Around six million households across Britain will benefit this winter. DESNZ noted that nearly 2.3 million additional families, including around one million with children, received the rebate last year after the scheme was expanded.
Eligibility and how the discount works
The scheme provides a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills for those who meet certain eligibility criteria, which differ slightly between England and Wales, and Scotland. Eligibility applies if all of the following conditions were met on August 23, 2026: the energy supplier is part of the scheme, the applicant (or their partner) receives certain means-tested benefits, and the applicant's name (or their partner's) is on the electricity bill.
Qualifying benefits differ between England and Wales and Scotland. Details are available on the GOV.UK website. Northern Ireland has a separate support mechanism called the Affordable Warmth Scheme. DESNZ says all billpayers on means-tested benefits now qualify for the Warm Home Discount, removing restrictions that previously excluded many who needed help.
Letter timeline and next steps
Letters will start to arrive this week and will continue to be issued through to January next year. The letters will advise recipients either that they will get the discount automatically or, if they need to phone the helpline, they must do so before February 26, 2027 and provide further information to receive the support.
The Government notes that it has also introduced a VAT cut on electricity bills in October, capped bus fares at £2, and removed £150 of costs from bills earlier this year to help support families through the winter months.
Minister for Energy Consumers Polly Billington said: "I know that many families will be struggling with their energy bills this winter. That is why I urge those who think they qualify for the Warm Home Discount to keep an eye out for a letter confirming their eligibility. Energy is an absolute essential, which is exactly why in October we cut VAT on all electricity bills and earlier this year we removed £150 of costs off bills, giving families breathing space this winter."
Scheme extension and scam warnings
DESNZ urges Warm Home Discount recipients to only contact their energy supplier through their usual method, and not to follow suspicious links or input financial information if requested over email, text, or phone call, as scammers sometimes impersonate genuine companies or Government departments.
The government noted that earlier this year it confirmed that millions of eligible households will receive the Warm Home Discount for the rest of the decade, with the scheme set to remain in place through to 2030/31. It also stated that last year's Budget has taken £150 of costs off energy bills on average, which will be factored into bills in the years ahead.
Ned Hammond, deputy director of policy (customers) at Energy UK, said: "The Warm Home Discount offers vital help for millions of households through the colder months, and this week the government will begin sending letters to eligible customers to explain how the support will be delivered. As we face the prospect of another winter of high and volatile energy prices, we encourage anyone struggling with their bill to contact their supplier to see what help is available for them."
Stew Horne, group head of sector intelligence and external affairs at the Energy Saving Trust, said: "As the weather turns colder and households start using more energy, many people will be worried about how they'll afford their energy bills. The Warm Home Discount provides valuable support to eligible households, helping to ease the cost of keeping homes warm. We encourage people to read their letters from the UK government carefully and check whether they need to take any action. Understanding the support available and responding promptly if required can help ensure you receive the help you're entitled to this winter."
