- Ofgem says you can ask your supplier to “agree a payment plan, payment break or reduction / review your current payments and debt repayments / give you access to financial support, called ‘hardship funds’”.1
- Each fund sets its own rules and decides each application. Help is not guaranteed, and funds can close when the money runs out.
- Most funds ask you to get free debt advice first. Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply for you.
- Neither Ofgem nor GOV.UK publishes an official list of supplier funds, so the funds below are in alphabetical order.
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
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British Gas Energy Trust: Energy Support Grant
On 28 October 2026 the Trust's application page said: “The Energy Support Grant is now open.” It adds that “funding is limited and subject to availability”.3
It writes off energy debt as a credit to your energy account. It is open to British Gas customers and customers of other suppliers in England, Scotland and Wales, but customers of the suppliers it names must apply to their own supplier's fund first.3
Income: “You have a household income of less than £25,000 or:” one of the exceptions listed on the page, such as getting a disability benefit or Carer's Allowance.32
You need to have had money advice in the last 6 months, and not have had a grant from the Trust in the last 2 years. Apply online through the Trust's website.3
EDF: Customer Support Fund
EDF says: “It can help with electricity or gas bill debts, and provide essential white goods such as a fridge or cooker.”4
For EDF customers. “Once you've had independent debt advice, you can apply to our Customer Support Fund.” The application asks for your account number, your debt and details of your household finances.4
Check the fund's page to see whether it is open now.
E.ON Next: Energy Fund
For E.ON Next customers, including Sainsbury's Energy customers, who are struggling. It can help with paying electricity and gas bills through grants, and with a replacement cooker, fridge, fridge-freezer or washing machine.5
It is run by Charis, which recommends money advice before you apply. You need to complete a three-month Provisional Award Scheme and be able to cover your average monthly energy use.5
On 28 October 2026 Charis listed the fund as “Currently open”.6
Octopus Energy: Octo Assist
For Octopus customers. Octopus says “it all starts with filling out a quick budget form”, and someone will then contact you about next steps.7
Check the fund's page to see whether it is open now.
OVO: Extra Support
For OVO customers who think they will struggle to pay. OVO says eligible customers “may qualify for direct financial support towards their energy bill or to support existing energy debt and specialist debt and benefits advice”.8
OVO says the check looks at household income, disposable income and medical needs, and that you get an answer straight away.8
Check the fund's page to see whether it is open now.
If your supplier is not listed
Ofgem: “Ask your supplier if they have any schemes or grants that can help with: energy costs / paying off energy debt / making energy-saving improvements to your home”.1
Ask your own supplier what help it offers. If you are on certain benefits, you may also be able to repay energy debt straight from your benefit through Fuel Direct.