Millions of households could receive a £150 reduction on their energy bills this winter through the Warm Home Discount scheme. The support is aimed at eligible households receiving certain means-tested benefits, but there is an important requirement for customers to check before the deadline.
Eligible households in England and Wales need to make sure the person receiving the qualifying benefit is also named as the electricity bill payer. Energy suppliers are expected to use customer records as of Sunday, August 23, 2026, when determining eligibility.
The scheme is expected to support around six million households this winter, including around 250,000 households in Scotland that will qualify automatically for the first time.
Discount
The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 reduction toward eligible households’ energy costs. It is not normally paid as cash directly to customers. Instead, the discount is applied to the electricity account.
For households already struggling with higher energy costs, the reduction can provide some assistance during the colder months. However, qualifying for a benefit does not necessarily mean every household will receive the payment unless the relevant eligibility requirements are met.
The key step for many customers is checking whose name appears on the electricity bill.
Benefits
In England and Wales, households receiving certain means-tested benefits can qualify for the Warm Home Discount.
The qualifying benefits listed for the scheme are:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
The person receiving the qualifying benefit should be named as the household’s electricity bill payer.
This requirement can be particularly important for households that have recently moved, changed their energy supplier or have an account registered under another household member’s name.
Deadline
The key date for customers to remember is August 23, 2026. Suppliers are expected to rely on their customer records as of that date when identifying eligible households.
If the person receiving the qualifying benefit is not named on the electricity account, the household should check with its supplier and make any necessary changes before the deadline.
Customers using pre-payment meters should also check their account details. If they top up using a key or card, the household electricity account needs to be registered in the appropriate person’s name.
Taking action before the deadline can help avoid problems with eligibility.
Suppliers
The government has confirmed that 24 suppliers will participate in the winter 2026 to 2027 Warm Home Discount scheme.
The participating suppliers are:
| Supplier | Notes |
|---|---|
| 100Green | Formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK |
| Boost | Participating supplier |
| British Gas | Participating supplier |
| E | Also known as E (Gas and Electricity) |
| Ecotricity | Participating supplier |
| EDF | Participating supplier |
| EnergyCoop | See Octopus Energy |
| E.ON Next | Participating supplier |
| Fuse Energy | Participating supplier |
| Good Energy | Participating supplier |
| Home Energy | Participating supplier |
| London Power | Participating supplier |
| Octopus Energy | Participating supplier |
| Outfox Energy | Participating supplier |
| OVO | Participating supplier |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Participating supplier |
| Scottish Gas | See British Gas |
| ScottishPower | Participating supplier |
| So Energy | Participating supplier |
| Square 1 Energy Ltd | Participating supplier |
| TruEnergy | Participating supplier |
| Tulo Energy | Participating supplier |
| Utilita | Participating supplier |
| Utility Warehouse | Participating supplier |
Some names on the list operate under or are linked with other suppliers, so customers should check directly with their energy company if they are unsure which supplier administers their account.
Scotland
The arrangements differ in Scotland. Around 250,000 households are expected to receive the Warm Home Discount automatically for the first time under the expanded arrangements.
The broader scheme is expected to help around six million households across Great Britain this winter.
Customers should still pay attention to communications from their energy supplier and check their account details where necessary. Requirements can vary depending on where a household lives and the benefit it receives.
Savings
The Warm Home Discount is part of wider government measures intended to reduce pressure on household energy costs.
The government has also pointed to changes affecting electricity bills, including the removal of VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1. It says the measure will provide additional savings through the Ofgem price cap.
Separately, the government has said the Warm Homes Plan will focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering bills for households over time.
The Warm Home Discount itself is scheduled to continue through to 2030/31, providing longer-term support for eligible households.
Action
Households receiving one of the qualifying benefits should check their electricity bill before August 23, particularly if they have recently moved or changed account details.
The most important point is that the qualifying benefit recipient should be correctly identified as the household electricity bill payer. Customers using pre-payment meters should also ensure their account information is accurate.
The £150 Warm Home Discount can provide useful support with winter energy costs, but households should not assume the payment will arrive without checking their circumstances. With around six million households expected to qualify this winter, checking the electricity account before the August deadline is a practical step for anyone who believes they may be eligible.
FAQs
How much is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 energy bill discount.
Who can qualify in England and Wales?
Eligible benefits include Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
What is the key deadline?
Eligible households should check their details by August 23.
Does the discount go to my bank account?
No. It is applied to the eligible electricity account.
