Thousands of households facing financial difficulties could receive up to £1,700 in energy assistance from British Gas, regardless of whether they are current customers. The British Gas Energy Trust has relaunched its Individual and Families Fund for both pre-payment and credit customers. To qualify for assistance, individuals must have energy debts ranging from £50 to £1,700 for pre-payment customers, or between £250 and £1,700 for credit customers.
Eligibility also requires a household income below £18,723, residing with a disabled person receiving benefits, a Carers Allowance recipient, or living in a household with three or more children. Applicants meeting the criteria should seek guidance from free financial advice charities like Citizens Advice before applying for the fund.
Those who have been denied assistance by their current energy provider 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 in reopening the fund to offer crucial support to households struggling with high energy costs.
As energy prices have recently increased, the Ofgem price cap for a typical dual fuel household paying by direct debit rose from £1,720 to £1,755. This cap will remain in effect until December 31, affecting customers on standard variable rate (SVR) tariffs. While there is no absolute cap on energy bills, charges are based on actual gas and electricity usage.
The Ofgem price cap sets limits on gas and electricity unit charges, as well as fixed daily standing charges for energy network connections. The cap is calculated based on average energy consumption assumptions of 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas annually per household.