Vulnerable households urged to apply for help with energy debt

Swindon people in struggling with energy bills can join others throughout the country applying for help from a charitable trust.

In 2023-24, The British Gas Energy Trust (the Trust) was able to support more than 64,000 households across Britain with money and energy advice, emergency fuel payments, white goods and energy debt grants.

With the recent increase to the energy price cap, and the ongoing cost of living crisis, many households are facing even greater challenges in keeping their homes warm and their energy bills manageable.

The Trust currently has two energy debt support funds open, to help those struggling this winter. The Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are two funds offering up to £2,000 in grants to British Gas and non-British Gas customers across England, Scotland and Wales.

Trust CEO Jessica Taplin said: “The first step for anyone struggling with their energy bills is to reach out to their energy supplier. Once this step has been taken, it’s also a good idea to check your eligibility for external support. 

"The Trust’s support funds are there to help individuals with energy debt and we encourage every household to apply if they qualify, and to share this information with friends and family, as no one should have to navigate these challenging times alone.”

One person to receive support was a woman who lives with her partner and three children and has been struggling with soaring energy prices, leaving her having to choose between paying her energy bill or getting the basics for her family. 

As part of her application, she received money advice from StepChange which showed she can manage her costs moving forward. Ms N was awarded a £995 grant from the Trust, and she can now focus on keeping her family warm and healthy.

The British Gas Energy Trust is a charitable trust established in 2004 and independent from, but solely funded by, British Gas. 

Its mission is to alleviate the detrimental impact of poverty, with a focus on fuel poverty. Support is delivered through four main programmes: debt relief grants which can help households with up to £2,000 in fuel debt; a small grants programme that provides emergency energy vouchers and payments; a white goods fund through a network of trusted partners and a programme that funds over 40 money and energy advice projects throughout Britain.

The British Gas Energy Trust says its energy debt grants offer a fresh start to those who have fallen behind on their energy bills, and that these grants are essential not only for alleviating immediate financial pressures, but also for ensuring that families can maintain healthy homes, especially during winter when energy use spikes. 

More information can be found at britishgasenergytrust.org.uk