British Gas has extended its energy support scheme and is offering 600,000 households the chance to wipe their energy debts.
The major energy firm is extending its “You Pay, We Pay” initiative, which matches customers’ energy debt repayments to help them pay off their bills quicker – or prevent energy debt overall. For example, a customer paying £100 a month will pay £600 over 6 months, with British Gas crediting their account with an additional £600.
British Gas has also announced a new feature that allows customers to take payment breaks. This allows people who can’t afford to make regular payments to still benefit from the help. It also confirmed that customers can still access the firm’s hardship grants at the same time as this support.
The help is available to anyone considered to be in fuel poverty or who has sought debt advice, and the scheme is for those on prepayment meters as well as those who are billed. There is no minimum level of debt balance to qualify, and you must be a British Gas customer for at least six months to be considered.
Originally launched in June 2024, the scheme is part of a broader £140million support package, from the provider which also includes grants of up to £2,000 through the British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) and funding for advice centres and charities. British Gas is now writing to over 600,000 customers this month who they think might be eligible for support and has written an open letter encouraging those who are struggling to see what help is available. Overall, British Gas has a total of £10million to help households in need and the scheme is expected to end this summer.
Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, parent company of British Gas said: “We know this winter has been particularly tough for many households, and it’s not always easy to keep on top of growing bills. We want to make sure as many customers as possible get the support they need and that’s why we’re extending our ‘You Pay We Pay’ scheme.
“It’s our responsibility to provide support for our customers and that’s why we’ve put £140 million into helping those who need it most – with direct support and our ongoing commitment to the amazing team at the British Gas Energy Trust.”
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