The British Gas Energy Trust contributes to the relief of poverty, with a particular focus on fuel poverty. It helps families and individuals experiencing hardship who are struggling with gas and electricity debt by awarding grants to clear those debts. The Trust also funds organisations across England, Wales and Scotland to provide fuel debt and money advice services within communities.
The Trust has just reopened to applications to the following two programmes which are designed to tackle fuel poverty by clearing the energy debts of struggling households, whilst responding to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
1. British Gas Energy Support Fund – this scheme makes payments into eligible Energy accounts to clear debts for applicants that meet the following criteria:
o Are British Gas customers.
o Currently experiencing or facing Fuel Poverty.
o Have debts of £250 to £1,500 on an active energy account for a main residence.
o Have received help from a money advice agency, such as Citizens Advice, and
o Not have received a British Gas Energy Trust grant within the last 12 months.
2. Individual and Families Fund – this scheme is not exclusively for British Gas customers, although applicants are advised to check with their energy providers to determine how any award can be credited against their account. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
o Are in need of a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account in their name or be a member of that household. The energy account must relate to a main residence.
o Have electric and/or gas debt.
o Have received help from a money advice agency.
o Live in England, Scotland or Wales.
o Not have received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years, and
o Not have savings above £1,000.
Payments of up to £1,500 are available to families and individuals in England, Scotland and Wales to write off their energy debts. Grants should cover any arrears accrued. Please note that ‘grant’ in this instance does not refer to a cash payment but will be credited against the householder’s account.
Further information, guidance and an application form is available on the Trust’s website.
Applications may be made at any time, but please note the Trust has stated that both schemes will close as soon as the available budget has been committed. Early application is therefore advised.
