How to access supplier and government help with energy bills - England

The energy price cap is set by Ofgem, Great Britain's energy regulator. The price cap limits the maximum amount of energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy you use. It applies to standard and default tariffs and is reviewed and updated every three months.

*Standing charges are designed to cover the cost of supplying your property with energy. They are usually a fixed, daily amount which doesn’t vary.

Based on the capped prices above, the average 2-3 bedroom house paying by direct debit should spend £1,717 a year on gas and electricity. However, if you use more energy than the average household you could end up spending more than that per year.

To find out exactly what you are being charged you should contact your energy supplier.

For more information on the price cap, see our guide to the price cap, or Ofgem's website. 

Council Tax Support

Householders on a low income may be able to get support to pay their Council Tax. This is arranged by local authorities.

You could be eligible if you’re on a low income, claim benefits or live alone. What you get depends on where you live - each council runs its own scheme - your household circumstances and income, as well as who lives with you.

To find out what’s available in your area, contact your local council.

Household Support Fund

The Household Support Fund is designed to help anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials like energy and water bills, food or other essential items. It is distributed through local authorities and you do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.

To find out what help is available in your area, contact your local council.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment provides extra support for older people to pay for heating in the winter. If you were born before 23rd September 1958, and you or your partner get certain benefits, you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people are paid in November or December.

For help, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount scheme provides support with heating costs in winter for those who need it most. The money is not paid to you directly. It is a £150 one-off discount on your heating bill, paid automatically for those who are eligible.

If you use a prepay meter, you can still qualify for the discount, but you will get it in different ways. For example, you might get a voucher you can use to top up. Your electricity supplier can tell you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible.

The scheme will reopen in October 2024 for this winter. Further details will be made available on the government's Warm Home Discount page.

Cold Weather Payment

If you get:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Support for Mortgage Interest

You may also get a Cold Weather Payment when the average temperature in your area is freezing (zero degrees Celsius) for seven days in a row.

The scheme will run between the 1st November 2024 and the 31st of March 2025.

Further details will be made available on the government's Cold Weather Payment page.