The Warm Home Discount rebate, which is given each winter automatically to less well-off pensioners, gives those who qualify a discount of £135 off their electricity bill in winter. 

Yet other customers who are struggling with their bills can also apply for the discount.

The rebate is given to customers by their electricity supplier and all major suppliers have now opened their schemes for applications. Customers are urged to call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they’re eligible.

Recent research, commissioned by the Home Heat Helpline, showed that nearly half of those eligible for help from the Warm Home Discount did not realise they were and so did not claim.

Whether you qualify will depend on your electricity supplier but you are mostly likely to qualify for the discount if your income is under £16,000 and you are over 70, living with long-term disabilities or bringing up young children at home.

Angela Knight, chief executive of Energy UK, said: “This is absolutely the right time to get ready to keep warm next winter and to start saving money. Don’t wait until it’s cold to see if you’re eligible. Claim what is yours.”

The Home Heat Helpline is also urging people to start planning now with four simple summer savers.

1. Call the Home Heat Helpline – find out what help you might be eligible for and how to save money on your energy bill.

2. Get a free home energy check – Every supplier will be able to offer help and advice on what you can do today to save next winter – and most will do it for free. Make sure you talk to your energy supplier about your own home and circumstances.

3. Fix the leaks – summer is the perfect time to install insulation in your home to ensure you are warm through the winter. Companies offer to do this work for free or at heavily subsidised rates for some customers and the Home Heat Helpline can help you find out if you might qualify.

4. Spring clean your boiler – while its warm and the boiler takes a welcome break make sure your boiler is as efficient as it can be. If your boiler is 15 years old or more it might be time for a replacement. Boilers account for around 55% of what you spend in a year on energy bills, so it’s worth doing if you need to.