The government has begun sending letters about the Warm Home Discount scheme. It is a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills this winter. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced it on 22 October 2026.
According to the government, around 6 million households will benefit this winter. Anyone who pays the bills and receives means-tested benefits is entitled to the discount. Letters are arriving at homes in England and Wales from this week and will be sent until January 2027.
The letter says one of two things. Either the discount will be applied automatically, or you need to call the helpline and provide extra information – before 26 February 2027. The money is not paid into your account. Your electricity supplier deducts it from your bill. The government has also confirmed the scheme will run until the 2030/31 season.
Scotland has different rules. According to GOV.UK, in Scotland you often have to apply to your electricity supplier yourself. The scheme does not operate in Northern Ireland.
What it means for you
If you receive, for example, Universal Credit, Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit, £150 can reduce your winter bill. Families with children gained from last year’s expansion of the scheme. Most importantly: do not throw away a letter with a government header, even if it looks like junk mail. What matters is whether the letter asks you to call.
Beware of scammers. The government reminds you: do not click links in suspicious texts and emails about an “electricity discount”, and never give your card details. The real scheme does not require any payment.
Our assessment
The help will definitely be paid – the scheme has run for years and has secured funding. £150 will not solve the problem of expensive energy, but with high inflation it is a noticeable sum. Most people who miss out do so not because they are ineligible, but because they overlooked the letter or missed the deadline. In Scotland the risk is greater, because you have to act yourself.
What to do
- Check your post until January 2027. If the letter asks you to get in touch, call before 26 February 2027.
- Live in Scotland? Ask your electricity supplier about applying. The rules are on GOV.UK – Warm Home Discount.
- Contact your supplier only on a number you know or through your online account, not via a link in a message.
Source: GOV.UK, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (22.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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