Struggling with energy bills? You could get up to £1,700 in help

Are you on a prepayment meter and finding it hard to keep up with your energy bills? If so, you could be entitled to up to £1,700 in energy debt support.

According to the energy regulator Ofgem, over half of all prepayment customers were in debt with their supplier by the end of 2024.

But help is available.

What is prepayment energy?

Prepayment - or ‘pay as you go’ - means you pay for your energy in advance.

You top up your meter using a key or card at a local shop, Post Office, or online if you’ve got a smart meter. It can help you manage your budget, but if you fall behind, it can be harder to get back on track.

What support is available?

The British Gas Energy Trust is offering grants of up to £1,700 to help prepayment customers clear their energy debt.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply.

What is British Gas Energy Trust?

British Gas Energy Trust is a charity funded by British Gas that supports people struggling with their energy bills. It offers:

• grants to pay off energy debt
• fuel vouchers
• help accessing money and energy advice

Who can apply?

This help comes from the Individuals and Families Fund, which is now open only to prepayment meter customers.

The fund is open to British Gas customers and customers of other suppliers

But, if you’re a customer of OVO, Boost, Eon, Eon Next, EDF, Scottish Power, Octopus, Shell Energy, SSE, Utilita or Utility Warehouse, please apply directly to them as they have their own energy support funds.

You can only apply to the Individuals and Families Fund if you have already applied to your supplier’s fund and have been declined (evidence will be required).

Here’s what you need to qualify:

• live in England, Scotland or Wales
• be on a prepayment meter
• owe between £50 and £1,700 on your energy account
• haven’t received a grant from the Trust in the last two years

• have a household income of under £18,723, or someone in your home gets disability benefits, carer’s allowance, or has three or more children

How to apply

You can apply online on the British Gas Energy Trust website.

• • create an account (or ask a support worker to help)
  • follow the instructions on the screen
  • submit your application and wait for a decision

Fallen behind on bills?

Over 5.3 million people have fallen behind on payments, so if your bills feel painful, you're not alone. And even if you're not on a prepayment meter, there may still be help out there for you.

Here's how to make sure you're not wasting money on energy bills and the help that’s available if you’re struggling.

Also, find out what happens when you have energy arrears and how to deal with the situation.