The UK Government has confirmed the extension of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, allowing eligible households to continue receiving support with winter energy costs.
Warm Home Discount Scheme: £150 Energy Bill Support
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has confirmed that the Warm Home Discount Scheme will continue across England, Wales and Scotland until winter 2030/31. The programme provides eligible households with a one-off £150 discount on their electricity bills each year, applied directly by participating energy suppliers.
Major suppliers including British Gas, Octopus Energy, EDF and E.ON Next are among the 24 companies taking part in the scheme. Households that continue meeting the eligibility requirements each year could receive up to £750 in energy bill support over the five-year extension period.
Who Qualifies for the Warm Home Discount
In England and Wales, households where the billpayer receives certain means-tested benefits may qualify automatically for the discount. Eligible benefits include Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Universal Credit.
To receive the payment automatically for winter 2026 to 2027, eligible households must be named on their electricity bill by August 23, 2026.
In Scotland, the qualifying criteria differ slightly. Households may qualify if they receive Pension Credit, additional Universal Credit support related to disability or health conditions, certain disability or pensioner premiums, or related Mortgage Interest support.
Energy Suppliers Participating in the Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme will reopen in October 2026 for the winter period. Participating suppliers include British Gas, Octopus Energy, EDF, E.ON Next, ScottishPower, OVO, Ecotricity, Good Energy and other approved energy providers.
The Government said the scheme was expanded in previous years to provide additional support to families facing higher living costs, with millions of households across Britain eligible for assistance.
Continued Support for Energy Costs
The extension of the Warm Home Discount Scheme aims to provide ongoing help for households affected by rising energy costs during the winter months. By applying the discount directly through energy suppliers, the programme offers eligible customers continued financial support without requiring a separate payment application.
