A variety of energy suppliers are set to provide a £150 discount to millions of households this winter as part of the government’s expanded Warm Home Discount scheme.
In a major expansion, the Warm Home Discount is set to reach approximately six million households, following the government’s announcement that an additional 2.7 million households will be included this winter.
Eligible energy customers will benefit from a £150 discount credited to their account, while those with prepayment meters will obtain a top-up voucher for use at their regular top-up point.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband declared: « Millions of families will get vital support with the cost of living this coming winter, demonstrating this government’s commitment to put money in people’s pockets through our Plan for Change. »
The eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount 2025 have been significantly expanded. In England and Wales, it previously was issued only to those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, with high energy costs or recipients of certain means-tested benefits.
This made the eligibility criteria restrictive for many customers who, despite not claiming any qualifying benefits, were still grappling with their energy costs. However, the government has since confirmed that it will abolish the high-cost-to-heat threshold, making all households eligible if a recipient of means-tested benefits is named on the energy bill.
In Scotland, you can receive the discount if you claim a means-tested benefit or the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. While Pension Credit claimants automatically receive the discount, those who may qualify through other ways may need to apply for the discount via their energy supplier.
Full list of energy suppliers taking part
The government website provides a list of suppliers who are part of the Warm Home Discount scheme. If your supplier isn’t listed here, or if you’re uncertain about your eligibility for the scheme this winter, it’s recommended that you contact them directly to explore what additional support you might be entitled to.
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Boost
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy – see Octopus Energy
- Co-op Energy – see Octopus Energy
- E – also known as E (Gas and Electricity)
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Fuse Energy
- Good Energy
- Home Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Scottish Gas – see British Gas
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
