Millions of households across Great Britain could receive a £150 reduction on their electricity bills through the Warm Home Discount scheme this winter. The support is intended to help eligible households manage energy costs during the colder months.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will identify eligible households in England and Wales, with the £150 discount generally applied automatically to electricity accounts. The scheme is currently closed but is expected to reopen in October 2026. Rules and application arrangements differ in Scotland.
Discount
The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 credit toward an eligible household’s electricity bill. It is not normally paid directly into a bank account. Instead, the amount is credited to the electricity account.
For households that receive both gas and electricity from the same supplier, it may be possible for the discount to be applied to the gas bill instead. Customers should contact their energy supplier to confirm how the credit will be handled.
The support is separate from other winter assistance. Receiving the Warm Home Discount does not reduce eligibility for a Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligibility
In England and Wales, eligibility is based on specific circumstances and the benefits a household receives. For the 2026 to 2027 winter scheme, the relevant conditions include circumstances on August 23, 2026.
Generally, you may qualify if your energy supplier participates in the scheme, you or your partner receive a qualifying means-tested benefit, and your name or your partner’s name is on the electricity bill.
Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit.
The rules are not identical across the UK, so people living in Scotland should check the separate Scottish eligibility and application arrangements.
Benefits
Pension Credit is among the benefits that can help a household qualify in England and Wales. Universal Credit and certain other means-tested benefits can also meet the benefit requirement.
However, receiving one of these benefits does not necessarily mean every household will automatically receive the discount. Other conditions, including energy supplier participation and responsibility for the electricity account, can apply.
This makes it useful to check the details before the scheme reopens rather than assuming that receiving a qualifying benefit guarantees the £150 credit.
Suppliers
The Warm Home Discount is available only through participating energy suppliers. The suppliers listed for the winter 2026 to 2027 scheme include:
| Energy supplier | Scheme participation |
|---|---|
| 100Green | Yes |
| Boost | Yes |
| British Gas | Yes |
| E | Yes |
| Ecotricity | Yes |
| EDF | Yes |
| E.ON Next | Yes |
| Good Energy | Yes |
| Octopus Energy | Yes |
| OVO | Yes |
| Sainsbury’s Energy | Yes |
| ScottishPower | Yes |
| So Energy | Yes |
| TruEnergy | Yes |
| Tulo Energy | Yes |
| Utilita | Yes |
| Utility Warehouse | Yes |
The list also includes EnergyCoop, which is associated with Octopus Energy, Scottish Gas, which is associated with British Gas, and several other participating suppliers.
Applications
The scheme is currently closed and is expected to reopen in October 2026.
For eligible households in England and Wales, the discount is generally identified through the DWP’s data matching process and applied automatically. However, some people may need to take additional action depending on their circumstances and supplier.
People in Scotland may need to apply directly to their energy supplier. The application process and eligibility criteria differ from those used in England and Wales.
If you are unsure whether your household qualifies, contacting your supplier once the scheme reopens can help clarify whether an application is required.
Problems
There can be situations where an eligible household does not receive the expected discount. For example, if an electricity supplier stops trading, Ofgem can appoint a new supplier. Customers in this situation should ask the new supplier about their Warm Home Discount eligibility.
There is also guidance for people who were eligible for the 2025 to 2026 scheme but did not receive their discount. If you have confirmation of eligibility, you should contact your electricity supplier.
Confirmation could include a letter from the Warm Home Discount Scheme or information provided by the scheme’s helpline. If you have confirmation but your supplier was unable to provide the discount, further correspondence with the Warm Home Discount Scheme may be necessary.
Support
With the 2026 to 2027 scheme due to reopen in October, households concerned about winter energy bills have an opportunity to check their circumstances and make sure they are receiving all available support. The £150 Warm Home Discount is separate from other winter payments, so receiving one form of assistance does not automatically prevent you from receiving another.
The key points are the October reopening, the £150 electricity credit, the different rules in Scotland, and the requirement for eligible households in England and Wales to meet the relevant benefit and electricity account conditions. Checking your supplier and benefit status before winter can help avoid missing available support.
