Page last updated on 20th December 2024
How to access supplier and government help with energy bills - Scotland
If you can’t afford the energy you need or are already in debt with your energy supplier, there is help available. One step you can take is to check if you are eligible for grants or schemes to help you pay for your energy bills. Continue reading to find out more.
This information was last checked on the 20th of December 2024 and was correct at that time. Things could have changed since then, so please visit the links provided for the most up-to-date information.
What is the energy price cap?
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.
| Fuel | Price per kWh | Daily standing charge* |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 24.5p | 60.99p |
| Gas | 6.24p | 31.66p |
*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.
Government support - Scotland
The below information is specific to Scotland, if you wish to see what is available for people in England or Wales click on the links below:
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.
The Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides Crisis Grants for people in a financial crisis. These can be used to pay your energy bills or other essential costs. You do not have to pay this money back. You have to apply through your local council.
You must be 16 or older and on a low income, or getting certain benefits, to apply for a grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Low income includes but is not limited to:
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Universal Credit
For more information visit the government's website.
Energy discounts and payments
The below information is specific to Scotland, if you wish to see what is available for people in England or Wales click on the links below:
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (previously Winter Fuel Payment)
The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment provides extra support for older people to pay for heating in the winter.
Only people of State Pension age who get certain benefits will be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
You can find out if you're eligible on the Scottish government's eligibility page.
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 December 2024.
Find out more about the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount scheme provides support with heating costs in winter for those who need it most. It is a one-off discount of £150 on your heating bill. You can get it if you:
- get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit – in which case you will get the money automatically.
- get certain benefits and meet your energy supplier's criteria. In this case, you have to apply.
The scheme will reopen in October 2024 for this winter.
Further details will be made available on the government's Warm Home Discount Scheme page or contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme on 0800 030 9322.
Winter Heating 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 the Winter Heating Payment to help with your energy bills.
This scheme replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland in February 2023. You will get it automatically if you qualify.
In 2024, the Winter heating Payment will be paid from December and will be £58.75. It does not depend on the weather.
For more information, go to:mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment
Child Winter Heating Assistance
Child Winter Heating Assistance helps families with children with disabilities to pay for the heating in the winter. This means you can get support if you live with someone under 19 who gets:
- the highest rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment
- the highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance for children
- the enhanced daily living component of Personal Independence Payment, or
- the enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
They must have been getting one of the above benefits on at least one day in the third full week of September 2024 (Monday 16th September to Sunday 22nd September).
If there is more than one child or young person who qualifies in the household, they each get a payment.
To check if you are eligible visit the government's Child Winter Heating Payment page.