Energy grants worth millions of pounds are STILL available to help you pay your energy bills – check what your supplier is offering

In mid-December British Gas, for example, had £7.5 million still available to dish out across both its schemes, and Octopus had £15 million to be claimed. Meanwhile, EDF, E.on Next, Ovo, and Shell Energy told us they all still had funds available - though they wouldn't give us exact figures. Scottish Power and Utility Warehouse's grant schemes are also still open for applicants.

Most of the help offered is in the form of a non-repayable grant that goes towards reducing energy debts. This could be vital for struggling households as bills have risen sharply in recent months (though most have now received some of the £400 discount - paid in six instalments - which started in October). 

From April 2023, prices will rise by 20% on average under the Energy Price Guarantee, with a typical bill rising from £2,500 a year to £3,000 a year from 1 April. It's then expected to stay at this level until 31 March 2024. 

These grants aren't standardised schemes offered across the board though, so whether your supplier offers support, who qualifies, and how much you'll get varies. Scottish Power, for example, requires people to be on certain benefits, while Utility Warehouse requires people to be in fuel poverty, or about to go into energy debt.

For further support, see our What to do if you're struggling to pay for your energy bills and Housing and energy grants guides.

Round-up of suppliers offering hardship grants – and how to apply

We've checked all 32 household energy suppliers (including sister firms and sub-brands) and the table below lists those we found offering grants and the key information on the schemes available, though do check the exact criteria with your energy supplier and contact it if you need further help or support. You can also ask certain charities to help you with the application process.

Most applicants will also need to have spoken to a debt adviser before applying, complete an income and expenditure budgeting form, provide proof of income, give details of how arrears have built up, and detail how the grant will help them. Those deemed to have the greatest need are likely to be prioritised.

Government grants and other support with energy bills you may be able to get

If you're not eligible for an energy supplier grant, there's other help available:

• Almost all households are now receiving £400 to help with rising energy bills. For most, the grant is automatic, paid by your supplier between October 2022 and March 2023. However, those on non-smart prepayment meters will have to take action to get the money, as for some it will be paid in the form of energy vouchers. See our £400 energy discount MSE News story for more info on the scheme, and what to do if you haven't received your vouchers.

• Those on certain means-tested benefits get an extra £650 this year. This will come in two payments, both of which has already been paid to most of those eligible. But if you haven't received yours, see What to do if you haven't got the cost of living payment.

• See if you qualify for other energy bill grants and discounts. For example, millions of people on lower incomes can get the £150 warm home discount which opened in October, while those over state pension age can get up to £600 through the winter fuel payment which started making payments in November. Our Energy bills help guide has a full list of payments you may be able to get.

• Check if you can get help from your council. Under the Household Support Fund, local authorities in England have access to a pool of funding to help those most in need. Eligibility varies, as it's up to councils to decide, but generally the grant is for vulnerable households, and those in most need of support. To find out what your council offers and whether you might qualify for support, and to apply, contact your council as soon as you can, as funding could run out at any time.