Thousands of households facing financial difficulties could qualify for up to £1,700 in energy assistance from British Gas, regardless of whether they are current customers. The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its support fund for individuals and families struggling with energy debt, catering to both pre-payment and credit customers.
To be eligible, individuals must have energy debt ranging from £50 to £1,700 for pre-payment customers, and between £250 and £1,700 for credit customers. Additionally, applicants must have a household income below £18,723, reside with someone receiving disability benefits, Carers Allowance, or be in a household with three or more children.
Interested individuals meeting the criteria are advised to seek guidance from organizations like Citizens Advice before applying for the fund. Those who have been rejected for assistance by their current energy supplier or have received a grant from British Gas Energy Trust in the past two years are ineligible to apply.
Jessica Taplin, the head of British Gas Energy Trust, expressed satisfaction with reopening the fund to assist households in coping with rising energy costs. The fund aims to provide essential support to those in need, regardless of their energy provider, ensuring warmth and safety for families.
Recent increases in energy bills have seen the Ofgem price cap rise to £1,755 for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit. The cap will remain in effect until December 31, affecting customers on standard variable rate (SVR) tariffs. However, the cap does not restrict the total amount paid for energy, which is determined by individual usage of gas and electricity.
The Ofgem price cap sets limits on gas and electricity unit charges, as well as fixed daily standing charges for connection to the energy network. It represents the expected annual expenditure for an average household consuming 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas over a year.