The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically apply a £150 credit to the electricity accounts of millions of eligible UK households under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The credit will be added later this year, with the scheme reopening in October 2026. The discount is designed to help households manage their electricity bills.
Eligible households do not need to apply in England and Wales, as the credit is applied automatically. However, residents in Scotland may need to contact their energy supplier directly to claim the discount. The DWP has confirmed that receiving the Warm Home Discount will not affect eligibility for Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payments.
Who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount
For households in England and Wales, eligibility is determined by conditions that applied on August 23, 2026. To qualify, all of the following must be true: your energy supplier participates in the scheme, you or your partner receive certain means-tested benefits, and your name or your partner's name appears on the electricity bill.
The qualifying means-tested benefits include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit. If your supplier provides both gas and electricity and you are eligible, the discount may be applied to your gas bill instead. Households are advised to contact their supplier to confirm which fuel type will receive the credit.
Supplier list for winter 2026 to 2027
Eligibility rules differ for households in Scotland. If your electricity supplier stops trading, Ofgem will appoint a new supplier for you, and you may still be eligible for the discount. You should check with your new supplier to confirm your eligibility.
The following suppliers will participate in the winter 2026 to 2027 scheme: 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK), Boost, British Gas, E (Gas and Electricity), Ecotricity, EDF, EnergyCoop (see Octopus Energy), E.ON Next, Fuse Energy, Good Energy, Home Energy, London Power, Octopus Energy, Outfox Energy, OVO, Sainsbury’s Energy, Scottish Gas (see British Gas), ScottishPower, So Energy, Square 1 Energy Ltd, TruEnergy, Tulo Energy, Utilita, and Utility Warehouse.
Missed the discount for winter 2025 to 2026?
If you did not receive your discount for winter 2025 to 2026, guidance on Gov.uk advises contacting your electricity supplier if you have confirmation of eligibility. Confirmation comes in the form of a letter from the Warm Home Discount Scheme or notification from the scheme's helpline. If your supplier could not provide the discount despite confirmation, you should write to the Warm Home Discount Scheme directly.
Households concerned about rising energy costs are encouraged to check they are claiming all entitled benefits. The Warm Home Discount Scheme is currently closed but will reopen in October 2026, with the £150 credit applied automatically to eligible accounts in England and Wales.
