British Gas will be extending its scheme that offers free payments of up to £250 to vulnerable customers struggling with their energy bills.
The UK's largest energy supplier today announced it was adding an extra £10million to its support scheme for customers with prepayment meters. This is on top of the £10million which it had already pledged in January of this year.
The energy supplier said "tens of thousands" of prepayment customers are eligible for the help and those who are will be contacted by British Gas. Customers do not need to contact the firm themselves to get help.
Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, said: “Despite lower energy costs, we know that the cost of living is still a big problem for many households, and customers will still need support this winter.
"Companies have a duty to support loyal customers through difficult times and our £100 million support package, the biggest ever offered by any supplier, means that we can make sure help is available to those who need it most. As well as funding grants and advice centres, our expert teams will be reaching out to our customers who could benefit from direct support in the form of free credit on their meters.”
The extra funding comes from the £100million package the supplier has put aside for its British Gas Energy Trust to support both its customers and non customers with energy bills this winter. This scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to help cover energy costs such as arrears.
To be considered for a grant you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and be in debt on your gas, electric or both accounts. You'll also need to have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last two years if you're not a customer, and in the last 12 months if you are.
For non customers must also not have more than £1,000 in savings and have received help from a money advice agency. You can visit the British Gas website here to find out more on what help you can be offered if you are a customer or non customer.