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

Government support

• Council Tax Support

• The Scottish Welfare Fund

Energy discounts and payments

• Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

• Warm Home Discount Scheme

• Winter Heating Payment

• Child Winter Heating Assistance

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.

The Scottish Welfare Fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund provides Crisis Grants for people in a financial crisis. These can be used to pay your energy bills or other essential costs. You do not have to pay this money back. You have to apply through your local council.

You must be 16 or older and on a low income, or getting certain benefits, to apply for a grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund.

Low income includes but is not limited to:

• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Universal Credit

For more information visit the government's website.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (previously Winter Fuel Payment)

The Pension Age Winter Heating Payment helps people of State Pension age pay their heating bills.

It’s paid once a year and replaced Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland, and payments will range from £100-300.

Most eligible people get the payment automatically and do not need to apply.

For more information: mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount scheme provides support with heating costs in winter for those who need it most. It is a one-off discount of £150 on your heating bill. You can get it if you:

• get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit – in which case you will get the money automatically.

• get certain benefits and meet your energy supplier's criteria. In this case, you have to apply.

The scheme will reopen in October 2026 for this winter.

Further details will be made available on the government's Warm Home Discount Scheme page or contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme on 0800 030 9322.

Winter Heating 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 the Winter Heating Payment to help with your energy bills.

This scheme replaced the Cold Weather Payment in Scotland in February 2023. You will get it automatically if you qualify.

The Winter Heating payment for 2025/26 was paid between December 2025 and end of February 2026 and was £59.75.

Details for Winter 2026-2027 will be made available later in year.

For more information, go to: mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment

Child Winter Heating Payment

The Child Winter Heating Payment is a Scottish Government benefit, paid once a year, to help disabled children and young people and their families with increased heating costs over winter.

The payment for winter 2025-26 was £255.80. Information on 2026-27 payments is not yet available.

For more information, visit: mygov.scot/child-winter-heating-payment