How to access supplier and government help with energy bills - England

Government support

• Council Tax Support

• Household Support Fund

Energy discounts and payments

• Winter Fuel Payment

• Warm Home Discount Scheme

• Cold Weather Payment

The energy price cap is set by Ofgem, Great Britain's energy regulator. The price cap limits the maximum amount of energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy you use. It applies to standard and default tariffs and is reviewed and updated every three months.

Based on the capped prices below, the average 2-3 bedroom house paying by direct debit should spend £1,641 a year on gas and electricity. However, if you use more energy than the average household you could end up spending more than that per year.

To find out exactly what you are being charged you should contact your energy supplier.

For more information on the price cap, see our guide to the price cap, or Ofgem's website. 

Below is the current energy price cap (Apr-Jun 2026).

*Standing charges are designed to cover the cost of supplying your property with energy. They are usually a fixed, daily amount which doesn’t vary.

What does this mean for me?

If you have a smart meter:

Nothing, your smart meter automatically sends meter readings, so you don't have to worry about getting charged the wrong amount for your energy.

If you don't have a smart meter:

You should send a meter reading to your supplier on the day of, or the day before, the price cap changes. This way, you’re certain they charge you the right amount for your energy usage.

Smart meter owners don’t need to do this because readings are sent automatically.

Council Tax Support

Householders on a low income may be able to get support to pay their Council Tax. This is arranged by local authorities.

You could be eligible if you’re on a low income, claim benefits or live alone. What you get depends on where you live - each council runs its own scheme - your household circumstances and income, as well as who lives with you.

To find out what’s available in your area, contact your local council.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides grant funding to local authorities to help anyone who's vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials like energy, water bills, food or other essential items

Because the scheme is managed locally, application rules and contact methods vary.

To find out what help is available in your area, contact your local council.

Winter Fuel Payment

The scheme for Winter 2025-2026 closed in March 2026.

Details of future schemes will be available later in 2026.

Find out more at: gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The scheme for Winter 2025-2026 closed on 31st March 2026.

Details of future schemes will be available later in 2026.

Further details can be found at: gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme.

Cold Weather Payment

If you get:

• Pension Credit

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Universal Credit

• Support for Mortgage Interest

You may also get a Cold Weather Payment when the average temperature in your area is freezing (zero degrees Celsius) for seven days in a row.

The scheme for Winter 2025-2026 closed on 31st March 2026.

Details of future schemes will be available later in 2026.

Further details will be made available on the government's Cold Weather Payment page.