British Gas has relaunched its Energy Support Fund, offering households in England, Scotland, and Wales the opportunity to receive up to £2,000 in aid with their energy expenses. This support is specifically aimed at existing British Gas customers who are dealing with energy debt or facing the risk of fuel poverty during the winter season.
The Energy Support Fund is accessible to households with energy debts ranging from £50 to £2,000 on a pre-payment meter, or £250 to £2,000 on a credit account. To qualify for this assistance, applicants must have sought help from a money advice agency in the past six months or utilized the online budgeting tool provided during the application process. Eligible British Gas customers can submit their applications through the British Gas Energy Trust website.
In the previous year, the Energy Support Fund extended aid to nearly 6,000 households in England, Scotland, and Wales. Non-British Gas customers may be eligible for assistance through the Individuals and Families Fund, which offers support for energy debt up to £1,700 on either a prepayment or credit account.
Chris O’Shea, the Chief Executive of Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, emphasized the importance of supporting customers facing escalating household bills, energy debt, and fuel poverty. The company has allocated £140 million towards the largest voluntary energy support initiative in the UK to ensure that individuals receive the necessary help during challenging times. O’Shea encouraged those concerned about heating their homes in winter to apply for the fund or seek assistance at advice centers.
Following a recent increase in energy bills, the Ofgem energy price cap is set to elevate from £1,720 annually to £1,755 starting October 1. This adjustment affects the anticipated costs for a typical dual fuel household paying through direct debit and will remain in effect until December 31 when the price cap is subject to revision.
It is important to note that while there is a price cap on the charges for gas and electricity units, as well as fixed daily standing charges connected to the energy network, there is no absolute limit on the total amount one can pay for energy consumption. Your billing amount is determined by the actual usage of gas and electricity.
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