British Gas is extending its offer to give households on prepayment meters who are struggling to pay their energy bills up to £250 in non-repayable credit.
The scheme ran last winter and has been revived to cover the coming winter months.
Tens of thousands of bill payers who are eligible for the credit will be identified and contacted by British Gas. They do not have to contact the supplier to be considered.
The initiative is part of British Gas’s scheme of direct support for households with prepayment meters worth £20m.
British Gas has voluntarily committed £100m to help households since the start of the energy crisis. The £20m in credit for prepayment customers comes from this £100m fund, which also provides grants up to £1,500 through the British Gas Energy Trust for all energy consumers, support for small businesses and funding for advice centres and charities.
Customers still need support
Chris O’Shea, chief executive of Centrica, parent company of British Gas, said: “Despite lower energy costs, we know that the cost of living is still a big problem for many households, and customers will still need support this winter.
“Companies have a duty to support loyal customers through difficult times and our £100m support package, the biggest ever offered by any supplier, means that we can make sure help is available to those who need it most.”
“As well as funding grants and advice centres, our expert teams will be reaching out to our customers who could benefit from direct support in the form of free credit on their meters.”
British Gas has also relaunched its Post Office Pop Ups to run throughout the winter. Advisers will be available to speak to in local Post Office branches to support households who need support, help with their benefits entitlement and to provide free energy-saving tips and advice.
