Ofgem's annual report on the Warm Home Discount (WHD) shows that vulnerable customers received over £348m worth of support from energy suppliers last winter.
Amidst last winter, all 19 suppliers met their WHD obligations in full, with British Gas paying the most due to having the largest number of vulnerable customers and the biggest share of the obligation.
On Monday it was announced the government was extending the Warm Homes Discount until 2026, which was originally meant to expire in March 2021.
Ofgem expects more customers to be eligible to receive support under the WHD this winter due to the economic and health impacts of COVID-19.
Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, said:
“For the last nine years, the Warm Home Discount scheme has provided a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable in our society who struggle to heat and light their homes during the winter in particular."
“Ofgem will continue to work closely with government and suppliers to ensure that consumers get the support they need in the difficult months ahead as we help to build a fairer, greener energy system.”
Kwasi Kwarteng, energy minister, said:
“The Warm Home Discount has already helped millions of vulnerable customers and through our commitment to extend the scheme in the Energy White Paper, we will continue helping those most in need with paying their energy bills."
“We have committed to extending the Warm Home Discount to 2026, and from 2022 it will already be reaching nearly three million people, providing £475 million a year for those who need it most.”
Source: Ofgem
