As energy prices continue to strain household budgets across the UK, the government has renewed its push to remind eligible households to check their energy bill details.
With millions of homes entitled to financial relief under the Warm Home Discount scheme, one simple oversight, not being named on the electricity bill, could mean missing out on £150 off energy costs this winter.
This initiative forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, designed to offer immediate relief from rising living costs while laying the foundation for long-term energy sustainability.
But the question remains: how many eligible people are truly aware of the steps needed to ensure they receive this help?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the reminder to eligible households to get £150 off energy bills, including who qualifies, what steps need to be taken, and why it matters now more than ever.
Why is the Government Issuing a Reminder to Eligible Households to Get £150 Off Energy Bills?
The government, through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, issued an official update on 13 August 2025, urging those who may qualify for the Warm Home Discount to ensure they’re named on their electricity bill.
This simple step is the gateway to receiving the £150 automatic discount applied by energy suppliers this winter.
The Purpose Behind the Reminder
This move aims to prevent eligible customers from missing out due to administrative issues. Historically, the majority of qualifying households have received their discount automatically.
In fact, last winter 96% of eligible households benefited without needing to apply. Still, a small but significant number lost out, often because they weren’t listed as the primary name on the account.
The reminder is especially timely given the government’s expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme. With an additional 2.7 million households now included, it’s more important than ever that those newly eligible understand how to secure their discount.
Why This Matters Now?
- The qualifying date to be named on the electricity bill is Sunday, 24 August 2025
- Missed this date? A letter will be sent later in the year. No letter by January 2026? You’ll need to contact the helpline
- Moving house or switching suppliers recently? Your name may no longer be on the bill
With the cost-of-living pressures still looming, £150 can make a tangible difference to a household’s winter budget. That’s why this reminder is not just a notice — it’s a lifeline.
Who Qualifies for the £150 Energy Discount Under the Warm Home Discount Scheme?
Understanding who qualifies for this scheme is essential for ensuring no one misses out. The Warm Home Discount is not a universal benefit. It targets low-income households and vulnerable groups who receive certain means-tested benefits.
To automatically qualify, the billpayer must receive one of the following:
Accepted Means-Tested Benefits
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit (both Guarantee and Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
Conditions That Must Be Met
- You or your partner must be named on the electricity bill
- Your supplier must be part of the Warm Home Discount scheme
- Your records must match by 24 August 2025 for automatic application
Scotland’s Process Is Slightly Different
Scottish households also qualify but with a key distinction:
- Those on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit will receive the discount automatically
- Others receiving eligible benefits must apply directly through their supplier starting October 2025
This regional variation makes it essential for Scottish residents to proactively follow up with their supplier rather than assume automatic enrolment.
How Has the Warm Home Discount Been Expanded for Winter 2025?
The Warm Home Discount scheme has seen its most significant expansion yet. The government recognised that many families in need were excluded under previous criteria. In response, the eligibility rules were broadened, enabling millions more to qualify this year.
Key Updates to the Scheme
- An additional 2.7 million households are now eligible
- This includes 900,000 families with children
- Over 6 million households in total will benefit in 2025
This broadening of support is not just administrative. It is a reflection of the UK’s ongoing cost-of-living challenges and a recognition that more working-class and low-income households require energy bill relief during the colder months.
Comparison of Warm Home Discount Impact
| Year | Eligible Households | Key Changes |
| 2024 | Approx. 3.3 million | Limited to narrower benefit criteria |
| 2025 | Over 6 million | Wider eligibility, includes families with children |
What Should Eligible Households Do Before 24 August to Secure the Discount?
The qualifying date for this year’s Warm Home Discount is set for Sunday, 24 August 2025. Energy suppliers will use customer records on this date to determine automatic eligibility.
Action Checklist
- Ensure the eligible person is named on the electricity bill
- If you’ve moved recently, check with your supplier that your records are updated
- Verify that your energy supplier is a participant in the scheme
This date is especially critical for those who have changed addresses, switched providers, or set up a new utility account recently.
After this date, anyone who qualifies but was not matched will receive a letter later in the year. If that letter hasn’t arrived by January 2026, they will need to call a helpline to claim the discount.
Can Prepayment Meter Users Still Receive the £150 Discount?
Yes, customers using prepayment meters are still eligible for the Warm Home Discount. However, there are a few additional steps they must take to ensure smooth processing.
How Prepayment Households Can Prepare?
- The household account must be in the name of the eligible individual
- This applies even if you’re using a key or card to top up
- Confirm with your supplier that your records are correctly updated
While the process remains automatic for most, accurate account details are vital for ensuring the discount is credited to prepayment accounts without delay.
What Happens If You’re Not Named on the Electricity Bill?
The government has stressed the importance of being named on the electricity bill to receive the £150 discount automatically. Many people may be eligible based on their benefits but might not be the named account holder, and that can lead to delays or even missing out.
Common Scenarios to Check
- You’ve recently moved and the new utility bill is not yet in your name
- A partner or flatmate is the current billpayer
- You switched suppliers, and details haven’t updated yet
If any of these apply to you, take immediate steps to update your account with your energy provider.
How Does the £150 Energy Discount Fit Into the Government’s Wider Plan for Change?
The Warm Home Discount is just one part of a broader strategy known as the Plan for Change. This approach combines short-term relief with long-term energy reform to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
Broader Energy Goals
- Shift away from fossil fuel dependency
- Invest in homegrown clean energy sources
- Improve household energy efficiency
Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh reinforced this dual commitment, stating that the aim is to provide both financial stability for families now and a more affordable energy future for the UK.
The £150 discount is a bridge between immediate needs and future goals, ensuring that no family is left behind as the country transitions to cleaner energy sources.
What Is the Automatic Discount Process and Why Is It Important?
The automatic process is one of the key strengths of the Warm Home Discount scheme. It eliminates the need for most eligible households to apply, ensuring quick and easy support.
How It Works?
- Suppliers match customer billing details with government benefit records
- The matching is based on records as of 24 August 2025
- If matched successfully, the £150 discount is applied automatically to your electricity bill
For 96% of households last year, this process worked without issue. However, that still leaves a portion of people who were eligible but didn’t benefit, often due to minor mismatches in data. This is why the government’s reminder is so crucial.
How Will Scottish Residents Receive Their Warm Home Discount?
The process for residents in Scotland has some differences due to the way benefits and utilities are administered.
Key Differences for Scottish Households
- Those receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit will receive the discount automatically
- Others must apply through their energy supplier starting October 2025
- Application windows may vary by supplier, so residents must check directly
This manual process means Scottish households need to be proactive. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be processed, especially important as colder weather sets in.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Received a Discount Notification by January 2026?
If you believe you are eligible but haven’t received a notification or the £150 discount by January 2026, it’s important to take action.
Follow-Up Steps
- Contact the Warm Home Discount helpline
- Be prepared with documents showing your benefit eligibility
- Make sure your name appears correctly on the electricity bill
It’s better to act early than miss the window. The helpline can help clarify your status and guide you on how to claim if something went wrong in the automatic process.
Conclusion
With the cost of living still impacting households across the UK, missing out on £150 of energy bill support could add unnecessary financial pressure.
The reminder to eligible households to get £150 off energy bills is more than just a public notice, it’s a timely and potentially life-changing prompt. By ensuring that you or someone you know is properly listed on the electricity bill, this winter can be a little more manageable.
The Warm Home Discount is a well-structured scheme backed by the government’s larger mission to support homes and transition to cleaner energy. Don’t let a missed detail stand between you and valuable assistance.
If you know someone who might qualify, spread the word. Let’s ensure no one misses out in 2025.
FAQs
How do I check if I’m named on the electricity bill?
You can verify this by contacting your energy provider or checking your most recent bill. Your full name should appear as the account holder.
Is the £150 Warm Home Discount a one-time payment?
Yes, it’s a one-off discount applied automatically to your electricity bill during the winter season.
What happens if I receive multiple eligible benefits?
You only need to receive one qualifying benefit to be eligible, and the discount will still be £150 regardless of how many you receive.
Can I choose which energy bill the discount is applied to?
The discount applies only to electricity bills and cannot be transferred to gas or other services.
Will this discount affect my other government benefits?
No, the Warm Home Discount does not count as income and will not impact your other benefit entitlements.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reminder-to-eligible-households-to-get-150-off-energy-bills
