UK households urged to claim £199 energy overpayment and check eligibility for £150 Warm Home Discount

The energy regulator Ofgem has warned that many UK customers have built up credit balances on their gas and electricity accounts, with the average credit of £199. Ofgem estimates that suppliers are holding about £3.2 billion of customers’ money and advises households with a live account to request a refund, providing meter readings if needed. The regulator also reminds customers who have switched suppliers or whose estate is being settled to claim any remaining credit within ten working days of the final bill.

At the same time, the Department for Work and Pensions has issued a three‑week warning to millions of households to verify that the name on their energy bill matches the bill‑payer, a requirement for receiving the £150 Warm Home Discount. The scheme, expanded last year, now covers roughly six million families receiving automatic payments, with eligibility tied to means‑tested benefits such as Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and Pension Credit. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh highlighted the discount as part of the government’s effort to give families breathing space ahead of winter, noting the recent removal of VAT on domestic electricity, which saves about £45 per year.