Energy Supplier Trust Funds

Independent charitable funds linked to major energy suppliers that may help households struggling with energy debt, arrears or wider financial pressure. Support is usually provided as a one-off grant rather than ongoing bill support.

Independent Charities

Advice-Led Applications

ONE-OFF DEBT GRANTS

Not Supplier-Specific

What Support May Include

How This Support Works

Energy supplier trust funds are independent charities set up by major energy companies to help households struggling with energy debt. Support is usually provided as a one-off grant to reduce or clear arrears, rather than ongoing bill support. Applications are not made directly to the trust fund and are usually completed with help from an advice organisation.

  • Debt relief grants from energy supplier trust funds are designed for households struggling with energy bill debt that they cannot realistically repay through their normal bill payments.

    This support is most relevant if you:

    • Owe money to your energy supplier (gas or electricity arrears)

    • Are experiencing financial hardship because of energy debt

    • Have tried payment plans but are still behind

    • Have historic debt that you can’t afford

    • Are being charged for energy you cannot pay for

    You don’t always need to be a current customer of the trust-funder supplier — some funds accept applications from customers of other energy companies. 

  • Energy supplier trust funds and hardship funds can offer one-off, non-repayable grants to reduce or clear energy debt. Support varies by provider but is usually applied directly to your energy account.

    Major UK trust funds and hardship schemes include:

    • British Gas Energy Trust
      Independent charity offering debt relief grants (often up to ~£1,700) to households in hardship. Applications usually require independent debt advice.
      Accepts applications from customers of other energy suppliers.

      https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/

    • British Gas – Energy Support Fund
      Supplier hardship fund offering debt support to British Gas and Scottish Gas customers, sometimes alongside payment plans or write-offs.

    • EDF Energy – Customer Support Fund
      Can help reduce energy debt and, in some cases, support essential household needs such as replacement white goods.

      https://edfmoreinfo.charisgrants.com/

    • E.ON Next – Energy Fund
      Offers hardship support for customers struggling with energy arrears and wider financial difficulty.

      https://www.eonnext.com/energy/guides/energy-fund

    • Octopus Energy – Octo Assist Fund
      Provides targeted support for customers facing temporary or ongoing financial hardship.

      https://octopus.energy/blog/bill-support/

    • OVO Energy – OVO Energy Fund
      Supports customers with energy debt through tailored hardship assistance.

    https://www.ovoenergy.com/extra-support

    Grant amounts, eligibility and application routes vary by fund and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Check the links above for accurate information.

  • Direct to your energy account: Grants are usually applied straight to your arrears by the supplier or trust. You will not receive the money directly — the fund pays your supplier on your behalf.  

  • Because this is trust/charity-based support, applications are often done with help and usually require independent money or debt advice first.

    Typical steps:

    1. Get free debt advice from a recognised service such as:

      2. Submit an application to the trust

    https://www.ovoenergy.com/extra-support

    3. Provide evidence of your situation

    • Income and outgoings

    • Evidence of arrears

    Debt advice confirmation

    4. Wait for assessment

    • Processing can take several weeks

    • If successful, the trust pays your supplier directly

  • While specifics vary by fund:

    • You typically must show energy arrears within specified limits (e.g., under £1,700 for some British Gas Trust funds).  

    • You often need confirmation of independent debt advice first.  

    • Some supplier-linked funds require you to be a customer of that supplier; others (like the British Gas Trust) can accept applications from customers of other suppliers.  

  • Find your supplier below to see if you can apply.

    If your supplier is not listed:

    Charis have partnered with UK energy companies to support households through the Let’s Talk Energy Fund.

    Alternatively if your supplier isn’t listed, it’s a good idea to contact them directly to see what extra support they can give you.

Also Worth Knowing: If This is Not The Right Route

Trust funds are usually designed for arrears or deeper financial difficulty rather than immediate emergency bill support. If you need urgent short-term help, it may be worth checking supplier hardship teams, emergency credit, local welfare assistance or other council-delivered support.