The British Gas Energy Support Fund are now accepting new applications, with grants given to customers facing difficulties paying their bills this winter
A leading energy firm has reopened a grants scheme that could see struggling households receive up to £2,000 off their winter bills.
The British Gas Energy Support Fund, an independent charity funding frontline advice services in local communities, started accepting new applications from Monday, November 4.
The fund offers grants to customers who are having trouble paying their bills. Successful applicants could be awarded a grant of up to £2,000 to help with outstanding debts.
This fund is exclusively for British Gas customers. Any customer of British Gas or Scottish Gas – the company’s trading name in Scotland – is eligible for support.
The potential £2k boost is over £500 more than what was available to households last winter. To qualify, customers must live in England, Scotland, or Wales and not have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust in the past 12 months.
Applicants must also have either a credit or prepayment meter with an outstanding account debt. The application process will require proof of income, which will be assessed alongside household outgoings to determine if you’re in or at risk of fuel poverty, according to The Sun, reports the Express.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate they’ve sought help from a money advice or guidance agency within the last six months from charities like StepChange or Citizens Advice. To apply, or find out more about the requirements, visit britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available.
Jessica Taplin, chief executive of the British Gas Energy Trust, highlighted this week, “Since the Trust was founded 20 years ago, it has made significant difference to the lives of the most financially vulnerable people in communities across Britain.”
She spoke about the ongoing crisis, adding, “The ongoing cost of living crisis will continue to hit the poorest people the hardest and, as an organisation, our ambition is to deliver the help and support needed to break the cycle of energy deprivation and help people avoid the burden of energy debt.”
Expressing gratitude for the crucial support from British Gas, she said, “We are forever grateful for the support we receive from British Gas as their funding makes all our work possible.The £20 million donation will allow us to continue to help people in financial hardship meet their energy needs and improve their money management skills.”
Talking up the impact of a generous donation, she mentioned, “We are forever grateful for the support we receive from British Gas as their funding makes all our work possible. The £20 million donation will allow us to continue to help people in financial hardship meet their energy needs and improve their money management skills.”
Guiding those in need of assistance, Taplin remarked, “If you are a customer of one of these energy providers, please apply to them directly. The British Gas Energy Trust cannot consider any applications from these suppliers, even if you do not meet your energy companies’ eligibility criteria.”
For British Gas customers facing issues, she pointed out, “For British Gas customers, your balance will be verified with British Gas as part of the application process and if it exceeds the arrears threshold of £1,700, your application will be declined.”
