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It might feel like winter is a long way off, but colder weather has a habit of sneaking up on us – and with it, higher energy costs. To help you prepare, we want to make sure you know about the Warm Home Discount Scheme – a Government initiative that gives eligible households £150 towards their energy bills during the colder months. Last year, working with Ofgem and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), we paid out £31.4 million to help more than 209,000 households in England and Wales. Here’s what you need to know for 2025 so far – we’ll share more details, including payment dates, in October.

How it works

Each year, the DWP decides who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount. If you’re eligible, they tell us, and we’ll arrange the £150 payment. The decision is made entirely by the DWP – you don’t need to apply if you live in England or Wales. This is because you’ll fall into one of our Core Groups. For more information, please visit our website. Important date: If you qualify and have a live electricity account with us on 24 August 2025, we’ll let you know in November. If you’re with a different supplier on that date, you’ll need to contact them directly.

How you’ll get the payment

The way we send your £150 depends on how you normally pay for your energy. If you change your payment method, it will change how you receive your WHD payment. See how you’ll be paid in our Help Centre.

Key dates

Now – We’re waiting for the DWP to confirm who’s eligible. Late October – We’ll let you know if you’re getting the payment.

While you wait – check your details

Your name and contact details with us must match exactly what’s on the DWP’s records. If they don’t match, it could delay or prevent your payment. The easiest way to check is in the My Utilita app. If your name has changed or there’s a mismatch, you need to update both us and the DWP as soon as possible.

Need more support?

If you’re struggling to afford your energy, we have lots of advice and resources on our website. You can also visit GOV.UK for details of other Government schemes. Remember: any Warm Home Discount payments that go unclaimed don’t benefit Utilita – they’re carried over to help customers next year. Thank you, Utilita Energy