Is there help with energy costs in the UK?

The short answer

Many countries have a social tariff, a discount or an allowance for people on a low income, and free advice on saving energy.

📜 The rules in the UK

Help if money is tight

A one-off £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2026 to 2027. In England and Wales you qualify if on 23 August 2026 you or your partner got Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related ESA or Pension Credit; usually automatic. Scotland has its own rules; not in Northern Ireland.

Warm Home Discount 🔗 gov.uk

Official source: gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

Free energy advice

Free help with bills and complaints: Citizens Advice consumer service 0808 223 1133 (England and Wales), energyadvice.scot 0808 196 8660 (Scotland), Consumer Council 0800 121 6022 (Northern Ireland). Join the Priority Services Register for extra support.

Citizens Advice / energyadvice.scot / Consumer Council NI 🔗 citizensadvice.org.uk

Regulated price

Great Britain only: caps the unit rate and standing charge on standard variable tariffs, not your total bill. 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2026: £1,723 a year for a typical Direct Debit home (up 4%). No VAT on electricity from 1 Oct 2026 to 31 Mar 2027.

Energy price cap (Ofgem) 🔗 ofgem.gov.uk

Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

See what existsThe schemes in the UK are listed below, with who qualifies.
Check if it is automaticSome discounts are applied automatically. For others you have to apply.
Get free adviceFree energy or debt advice can help you lower your bills and deal with arrears.
Talk to your supplierAsk about a cheaper tariff or a payment plan, and register as a vulnerable customer if that applies.

📇 Who to contact

Warm Home DiscountDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Citizens Advice / energyadvice.scot / Consumer Council NIFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk

Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk

❓ Questions

Do I have to apply?

It depends on the scheme. The details for the UK are on this page.

Who gets the discount if I rent?

Usually the person named on the energy contract.

Is there help for heating oil or wood?

Some countries have separate heating allowances. Ask the social services of your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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🤝 Is there help with energy costs in the UK?