Millions of low-income households across Britain are set to receive crucial financial support with their energy bills this winter through an expanded government scheme.
Major Expansion of Warm Home Discount
Approximately 2.7 million additional low-income households will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, following significant changes to the eligibility criteria. This expansion includes around 900,000 families with children who will benefit from the vital support.
The government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility requirements that previously excluded many struggling households. This change represents one of the most substantial expansions of the scheme since its inception.
Martin Lewis Welcomes Changes
Consumer champion and money-saving expert Martin Lewis has welcomed the changes, having long campaigned for reform of what he described as a "poorly structured blunt instrument."
"Good. Today the Government's confirmed the Warm Home Discount scheme that gives some lower-income homes £150 energy bill support, will be extended to 2.7 million extra households this winter," Mr Lewis stated.
He explained the previous system's flaws: "Currently, WHD goes to those on means-tested benefits like Universal Credit but only if they have 'high energy costs.' That criteria is thankfully to be scrapped, which is why millions more will receive it."
Complete List of Participating Suppliers
According to official government sources, the following energy companies are participating in the Warm Home Discount scheme:
- 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 Energy
- OVO
- Sainsbury's Energy
- Scottish Gas – see British Gas
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Square 1 Energy Ltd
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Tulo Energy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
Addressing Previous System Flaws
Mr Lewis highlighted significant problems with the previous eligibility assessment method, which was introduced in 2022. "High energy usage wasn't assessed using bills, but by an algorithm looking at the Valuation Office Agency data on each home – yet this didn't factor in energy efficiency or a home's condition," he explained.
This approach meant many households who genuinely needed support were excluded because the algorithm incorrectly assumed they had low energy usage. The money expert shared a poignant example from a MoneySavingExpert.com user named Rob, whose home was deemed too small to qualify despite his genuine need for assistance.
Another major issue involved Energy Performance Certificate requirements. "Where there was no data, homes were asked to provide an EPC certificate, but an EPC costs up to £120 negating the gain of doing so," Mr Lewis noted, highlighting how the previous system created additional financial barriers for those least able to afford them.
The consumer champion revealed he had raised these concerns with both the previous and current governments, including direct communication with former Secretary of State Grant Shapps and discussions with Ed Miliband about the scheme's shortcomings.
This winter's expanded Warm Home Discount scheme represents a significant step forward in supporting vulnerable households during the challenging colder months, ensuring that financial help reaches those who need it most without the previous bureaucratic obstacles.
