British Gas has relaunched its Energy Support Fund to provide financial assistance to households in England, Scotland, and Wales for their energy bills. The fund is accessible to current British Gas customers facing energy debt or at risk of fuel poverty during the winter season. Eligible households with energy debt ranging from £50 to £2,000 on pre-payment meters or £250 to £2,000 on credit accounts can apply for support.

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. Those meeting the criteria can submit their applications through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

Last year, nearly 6,000 households in England, Scotland, and Wales benefited from the Energy Support Fund. Non-British Gas customers may qualify for assistance through the Individuals and Families Fund, which offers aid for energy debt up to £1,700 on prepayment or credit accounts.

Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, emphasized the commitment to supporting customers facing financial challenges related to energy bills. Centrica has allocated £140 million, the UK’s largest voluntary energy support package, to address energy debt and fuel poverty concerns. O’Shea encouraged individuals worried about heating their homes during winter to apply for assistance or seek support from advice centers.

Following an increase in energy bills, the Ofgem energy price cap will elevate from £1,720 to £1,755 per year starting October 1. The price cap determines the typical costs for dual fuel households paying via direct debit for gas and electricity usage until December 31.

While there is no set limit on energy costs, bills are calculated based on actual consumption of gas and electricity. The Ofgem price cap regulates the charges for gas and electricity units, along with fixed daily standing charges for connecting to the energy network.