Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 Millions to get £150 off energy bills for further five years

The government has confirmed the discount for six million low-income households will continue for the rest of the decade.

* Around six million low-income households will continue to receive £150 off their winter energy bills until at least 2030/31.
* Eligibility was widened last year to include a further 2.7 million families, making a total of approximately eight million people eligible for the discount.
* The government's decision follows a consultation on how best to continue the scheme, which has been in place since 2011.
* Energy companies will cover the cost of the £150 Warm Home Discount through the unit rate - the per-kWh charge for electricity and gas usage.
* This change means higher-use customers will contribute more to the discount than ones who use less energy.
* The government claims this change is "fairer" and that "average consumers will see bill savings".
* However, charities have warned that moving costs away from standing charges will increase bills for higher energy users, reducing the overall benefit of the discount for those households who need it most.
* Scotland's low-income households will now automatically receive the rebate next winter, bringing their policy in line with England and Wales.
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