Energy bills alert: Households offered £2000 to clear energy debt this winter

British Gas customers may be eligible for grants of up to £2,000, while people who receive their energy from other suppliers can apply for support worth as much as £1,700.

The grants are designed to help households clear existing energy arrears rather than provide general financial assistance.

They are targeted at people who have fallen behind on payments and are struggling to catch up as energy costs remain elevated.

The Energy Support Fund is open to British Gas customers and can pay up to £2,000 towards outstanding balances, helping households start afresh if they have accumulated significant arrears.

A separate Individuals and Families Fund offers up to £1,700 to customers of other energy companies.

Applicants must show that their own provider does not run a similar support scheme, or that they have applied for help there first and been unsuccessful.

Both programmes are operated by the British Gas Energy Trust, meaning applications are handled centrally.

While grant levels differ, both funds share the same objective of helping people who have fallen behind on their bills regain financial stability.

Recent figures highlight the impact of these schemes.

Last year, 2,051 households received support, with more than £947,000 in energy debt written off in total.

Jessica Taplin, chief executive of the British Gas Energy Trust, said: "Many households across Britain continue to struggle with high energy costs alongside other financial challenges, and this means we can once again provide vital support, regardless of which energy supplier they're with."

She added: "This fund will help those who need it most get back on stable ground and feel confident in keeping their homes and families warm and safe."

The Trust said demand for support remains high, with energy bills continuing to place pressure on family budgets.

While overall gas and electricity prices have fallen from their peak, they remain well above pre-crisis levels.

To qualify for assistance, applicants must meet specific criteria.

The Energy Support Fund has conditions for British Gas customers, while the Individuals and Families Fund has separate rules for applicants supplied by other firms.

Both schemes take wider financial circumstances into account, including income, household spending and factors that contributed to the build-up of energy debt.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the British Gas Energy Trust website for full eligibility details and to begin the application process.

The Trust advises people to apply even if they are unsure whether they qualify, as assessments are made on a case-by-case basis.

With colder weather pushing up heating use and budgets already stretched by food and housing costs, the Trust said it expects continued strong demand for support this winter.

Households struggling with energy debt are being urged not to delay seeking help.

The Trust said the grants are intended specifically for people facing financial difficulty and could provide vital breathing room at a time when many are under increasing strain.