The government has announced a five-year extension of the Warm Home Discount, ensuring eligible households receive 150 off their energy bills every winter through 2030/31.

Industry voices from Energy UK and National Energy Action welcomed the extension, stressing the need for targeted support, broader reach beyond the benefits system, and continued energy advice.

Last year’s expansion brought the scheme to about six million eligible households in England and Wales, with automatic eligibility for means-tested benefit recipients where suppliers have more than 1,000 customers.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband framed the extension as part of tackling the affordability crisis and lowering bills long-term, to bring relief to millions through the decade.

Eligible households on means-tested benefits will receive automatic discounts if their supplier has over 1,000 customers; others who think they are eligible should call 0800 030 9322 by February 27 to verify.

The extension comes amid the cost-of-living crisis and a slight rise in the energy price cap, driven in part by nuclear power funding and winter bill discounts.

Separately, the government will cut 150 from the average household bill from April by scrapping the Energy Company Obligation scheme.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero emphasizes the extension as part of a broader effort to help households with energy costs during the crisis.