Around six million households could miss out on a £150 discount on their energy bills this winter if they fail to check one key detail.
Those receiving means-tested benefits have less than two weeks to make sure their name appears on their electricity account or risk losing the support.
Energy suppliers will check their customer records on Sunday 23 August to determine who qualifies for the Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.
Anyone whose name is not registered on their electricity account should contact their supplier before the deadline. A simple phone call could be enough to make sure they receive the £150 discount.
The deadline comes as households face renewed pressure from rising energy costs. Bills have already climbed by 13 per cent this summer, with further increases expected before the end of the year.
In England and Wales, people receiving universal credit, pension credit, housing benefit or income-related employment and support allowance can qualify for the Warm Home Discount.
The £150 discount should be applied automatically for eligible households, provided the person receiving the qualifying benefit is also named on the electricity account.
Different rules apply in Scotland, where around 250,000 low-income households will receive the payment automatically for the first time this winter.
Energy bills could soar even more later this year | GETTY
Scottish households may qualify if they receive pension credit, certain additional elements of universal credit linked to a child or disability, or certain premiums attached to employment and support allowance.
Households may also be eligible if they have a child under five and the claimant is unemployed.
There are common reasons why someone’s name might not appear on their electricity account, most frequently because they have recently moved home.
Those on pre-payment meters who top up using a key or card must also confirm their account is registered in their name.
More than 20 energy companies are participating in the winter 2026-27 scheme, including major suppliers such as British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next, Octopus Energy, OVO, ScottishPower and Utilita, alongside smaller providers like Boost, Ecotricity, Good Energy and Outfox Energy.
More than 20 energy companies are participating in the winter 2026-27 scheme
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GETTYThe government confirmed earlier this year that the Warm Home Discount will remain in place through to 2030/31, offering longer-term certainty for eligible households.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Families will be worried about their energy bills this winter and our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills.
“Almost a million more families with children received the £150 Warm Home Discount last winter, after we expanded scheme.”
She added: “If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill.”
Six million households urged to act
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GETTYHousehold energy bills surged by 13 per cent this summer, and millions of consumers will discover what lies ahead later this month when Ofgem reveals the quarterly price cap covering the three months from October.
Against that backdrop, the £150 Warm Home Discount offers meaningful relief. The rebate is distributed automatically by energy companies with more than 1,000 customers, but only where the eligible claimant is named on the account.
Beyond the immediate discount, the scheme can also help suppliers provide additional assistance, such as tailored repayment plans, to customers carrying energy debt.
Last year’s Budget also reduced average energy costs by £150, savings that are built into bills for the years ahead. The government’s broader Warm Homes Plan aims to cut energy consumption and help lift households out of fuel poverty.