The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its largest energy debt fund, offering a vital financial lifeline to households across the country struggling with soaring energy costs.
Financial support for energy debt
The British Gas Energy Support Fund (ESF) provides grants specifically for British Gas customers who have accumulated debt of up to £2,000 on their credit or prepayment meter accounts. This initiative is designed to prevent people from having to make impossible choices between heating their homes and covering other essential living expenses.
Jessica Taplin, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, emphasised the fund's importance, stating: "Our focus is ensuring people can access support, so that no one has to choose between heating their home or meeting other essential needs this winter." She added that with energy prices rising and household budgets under significant pressure, the fund aims to help families and individuals move towards a more secure financial future.
Help available for customers of any supplier
Crucially, support is not limited to British Gas customers. The Trust also operates an Individuals and Families Fund, which can provide grants of up to £1,700. This fund is available to eligible customers of any energy supplier, including rivals like EDF, E.On Next, Ovo, Scottish Power, and Octopus.
You can apply to this fund if your own energy supplier does not have a similar support scheme in place, or if you can demonstrate that your application to your supplier's scheme was unsuccessful.
A real-life impact story
The fund has already made a tangible difference. It assisted a 49-year-old woman, referred to as Ms S, who lives alone in her mortgaged home. Unable to work due to multiple health conditions, including a recently diagnosed heart condition, she depends on Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Her health requires extra gas heating, but combined with rising energy costs, this led to fuel poverty, energy arrears, and difficulty keeping up with her mortgage. After receiving money advice and making energy-saving changes to her home, her finances showed she could manage future costs. She was subsequently awarded a £639 grant to clear her energy arrears entirely.
Ms S commented on the process: "I didn't know what to do about this debt, but the application was easy, and I can now focus on paying my winter bills without this worry." Her story highlights the direct and positive impact this financial support can have on vulnerable households.
