Autumn Energy Bills Set to Rise Again! What Benefits, Subsidies, And Tax Reliefs Can UK Households Still Claim?
- TBA
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Since April this year, multiple tax increases in the UK have not only added pressure on businesses but also made the cost-of-living challenge for households more severe—water, electricity, and energy bills have all gone up.
From October 1, Ofgem has updated the energy price cap, increasing the average annual household bill by £35.14 to £1,755.14 (up from the £1,720 rate effective since July).
With winter bringing higher demand for heating and electricity, the pressure on bills becomes even greater. So, do you know what support schemes and free assistance you may be entitled to?
In fact, the total value of benefits and subsidies could save households up to £19,325!
1. Household Support Fund – £500
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is backed by £742 million of government funding distributed via local councils, who provide aid to eligible households. Support may include:
White goods subsidies
Supermarket shopping vouchers
Cash grants for energy bills
Some families have previously received as much as £500 towards electricity costs. Eligibility varies by local authority, but low-income families or those already receiving benefits are typically eligible. Keep an eye on your local council’s website or social media for application updates.
2. Warm Home Discount – £150
The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 reduction on electricity bills for eligible households, applied directly to bills by suppliers rather than paid in cash.
Generally, if you receive Pension Credit (guarantee element) or are on a low income with high energy costs, you’ll qualify automatically—no need to apply.
3. Cold Weather Payments – £25+
The Cold Weather Payments scheme gives eligible households £25 for every 7-day period where the temperature is below zero degrees Celsius.
This applies to people receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest.
No separate application is required—the money will be paid automatically into eligible accounts within 14 days.
4. Energy supplier support schemes
Many energy providers also run their own hardship funds and assistance schemes.
For example, British Gas offers the ‘You Pay: We Pay’ initiative, matching customer payments proportionally over six months. EDF has a Customer Support Fund to help cover white goods or clear arrears.
Octopus Energy, Scottish Power, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse also run similar programmes.
Always check directly with your supplier to see what’s available.
5. Free solar panels and heat pump insulation
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government scheme designed to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty. Eligible households can receive free installations such as:
Solar panels (average installation cost ~£6,100)
Heat pumps (average installation cost ~£4,400)
Octopus Energy, for example, is offering up to 1,000 households completely free solar panel and heat pump installations. If you qualify for both, you could save up to £10,500.
6. Free boiler and heat pump installation
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, eligible households can receive up to £7,500 towards heat pump installations. Heat pumps are eco-friendly and can save between £100 and £350 per year on energy bills.
Start by contacting an MCS-certified installer for a quote, then apply for the grant. You can find accredited installers at msccertified.com.
Don’t miss out on tax refunds!
While many subsidies are applied automatically, a lot of people miss out on tax reliefs they’re entitled to, leading to overpayment.
These include: tax-free childcare, the Marriage Allowance, the Rent-a-Room Scheme, and deductions for the self-employed.
Some advice from TB Accountants
With rising energy costs, winter bills will inevitably be a burden.
However, by taking advantage of these subsidies and support measures, households can not only reduce short-term financial strain but also achieve long-term savings through energy efficiency improvements.
We recommend proactive budgeting to avoid unnecessary expenses.
This includes planning ahead for rent or mortgage payments, utilities, council tax, and credit card repayments. If you have savings, regularly review your interest rates to ensure you’re getting the best returns.
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