British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next and Octopus Offer Grants After July Energy Bills Rose 13 Percent

British Gas, EDF, E.ON Next and Octopus Energy are providing grants, bill credits and practical items to customers this summer. GB News reported the measures follow a 13 percent rise in July energy bills for households not covered by fixed-price tariffs. The British Gas Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund offers grants of up to £1,700 to clear gas or electricity debt on a main home.

Eligible British Gas customers must owe at least £250 on a credit account or £50 on a prepayment meter and must not have received a grant in the prior 12 months. Both credit and prepayment customers can apply, and state pensioners are among those who may qualify. EDF is distributing Heatwave Relief Packs valued up to £100 to as many as 10,000 vulnerable customers.

Each pack may contain a fan, blackout curtains and reusable water bottles, and recipients also receive a £20 bill credit. ON Next Energy Fund to supply financial support for customers unable to meet bill payments. Octopus Energy operates its year-round Octo Assist scheme and supplies free electric blankets to eligible customers during winter months, which the supplier states can save around £300 versus heating an entire home.