ScottishPower is providing a £150 discount on electricity bills to approximately 515,000 households from October, using funds from the government's Warm Home Discount scheme. The rebate is applied directly to customers' electricity bills by their supplier rather than paid into bank accounts.
The scheme reopens this month, and ScottishPower expects to extend the discount to more than half a million customers as many face higher costs under the latest energy price cap, which rose by 4% on October 1.
Eligibility Criteria for the Warm Home Discount
In England and Wales, households receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance qualify for the discount this winter. Eligible customers should receive a letter from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) from this month, confirming that no action is needed to receive the £150 discount, which will be applied by their electricity supplier by March 31, 2027.
In Scotland, eligibility depends on conditions as of August 23, 2026: the energy supplier must be part of the scheme, the customer (or their partner) must receive certain means-tested benefits, and their name (or their partner's) must be on the electricity bill. In some cases, Scottish customers may need to apply directly to their supplier.
Support for Customers Facing Financial Difficulties
Initial government data matching suggests around 515,000 ScottishPower customer households could receive the rebate this winter.
Mark Murphy, Government Obligations Director at ScottishPower, said: "The Warm Home Discount provides vital help for households facing higher energy costs, so it's great news that more customers across England and Wales are expected to benefit this winter."
Murphy added: "Many people may not realise the eligibility rules have changed. That means households who didn't qualify before could now be entitled to £150 off their bills, so it's worth checking what support may be available."
Additional Assistance and Advice
ScottishPower also offers support including its Priority Services Register, specialist affordability teams, payment support, accessibility services, and the ScottishPower Hardship Fund. The company is urging anyone concerned about paying their energy bills this winter to contact their supplier early and explore available support before financial difficulties escalate.
Murphy said: "We know many households are still feeling the pressure from higher living costs and energy bills. Anyone worried about keeping on top of their payments shouldn't wait to ask for help. The earlier customers get in touch, the more support and options we're often able to provide."
