SO Energy launches £150 rebate: who will receive the heating discount.

SO Energy launches discount program for 300,000 customers

According to The Sun: The energy company SO Energy has announced the launch of a £150 discount program to help its customers reduce their electricity costs this winter.

Close-up of a flame on a gas stove

Eligible customers will receive the discount automatically on their electricity bills by March 31, 2026, with some not having to apply at all.

This year, the discount program has been expanded, notably removing the “hard-to-heat” rule for residential properties in England and Wales.

Now, low-income families receiving certain benefits are not required to live in energy-inefficient homes to receive the discount.

This change will allow over 2.7 million households, including 900,000 families with children, to receive a £150 payout, increasing the total number of eligible households to six million.

From October to December, the government will send letters to the households eligible to participate in this program.

Requirements to participate in the program

To qualify for the discount, one must be receiving one of nine benefits on August 24:

• Guaranteed credit from pension credit
• State support
• Jobseekers allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance +
• Housing benefit
• Universal credit
• Pension credit savings credit

You can also qualify if your household income is below a certain threshold and you receive one of the following types of support:

• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit

If you did not receive any of these benefits by August 24, 2025, you will not be eligible for the payout.

However, even if you did not receive pension credit on the qualifying date, there is a way that may help you access additional funds.

This is because your entitlements to certain benefits can be backdated.

For instance, successful claims for pension credit can be backdated by three months, while universal credit claims can be backdated by one month.

About 700,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but are not claiming it.

Do you need to apply for the discount?

Households in England and Wales do not need to apply; they will automatically receive the funds.

Expect a letter between October 2025 and January 2026 stating:

• You are eligible and will automatically receive the discount; or
• You may be eligible; additional information may be required.
• The letter will indicate you must call the helpline by February 27, 2026, to confirm your details.

If you do not receive a letter by early January 2026 and believe you are eligible, call the helpline at 0800 030 9322.

If you are eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2026.

The “Warm Home” program is available, regardless of who your energy supplier is.

If you are not with SO Energy, don't forget to check with your supplier on how and when you will receive the payout.

In Scotland, you may need to apply for the “Warm Home” program.

In Scotland, there is a “core group” that receives an automatic payout, and a “wider group” that must apply to their energy supplier.

It is recommended to contact your supplier to learn about eligibility requirements for assistance and details on how to apply.

As the program will have more applicants than places, apply as soon as possible.

SO Energy customers can apply by visiting justsoyouknow.so.energy/posts/2110459-warm-home-discount.

How to receive the discount from SO Energy?

If you pay by direct debit or upon receiving the bill, the £150 discount will be added to your electricity bill as credit.

If you have a traditional prepayment meter, SO Energy will send you a voucher that can be used to top up your meter at the nearest Paypoint kiosk.

Find your nearest kiosk at consumer.paypoint.com/cashout.

If you have a smart prepayment meter, SO Energy will send the discount directly to your meter as credit.

Afterward, you will receive an email confirming the discount was applied.

What help is available for paying energy bills?

There are several ways to get help with energy payments if you are facing financial difficulties.

If you have debts, you can always reach out to your supplier to find out if they can offer a repayment plan before transferring you to a prepayment meter.

This means repaying the debt in installments over a set period.

If a repayment plan is offered that you find unaffordable, reach out again to know about possible improvements.

Many energy companies have programs for customers who are struggling with their bills.

Because eligibility requirements for these programs vary by supplier, the amount you can receive depends on your financial circumstances.

For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers can receive grants of up to £2,000 if they experience difficulty paying their bills.

British Gas also provides assistance through the British Gas Energy Trust and the Individuals Family Fund.

You do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.

Similar assistance is also provided by EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power.

Thousands of vulnerable households are not taking advantage of additional help and protections by not registering for the Priority Services Register (PSR).

This service supports vulnerable households, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities.

Some benefits include advance warnings of power outages, free gas safety checks, and additional support if you are experiencing difficulties.

Contact your energy supplier to find out if you can apply.

This news about the SO Energy discount program highlights the importance of the assistance many households can receive amid rising electricity costs. By simplifying the eligibility requirements, more people will be able to benefit from this financial support this winter season. SO Energy and other energy providers are striving to expedite the assistance process, which will be beneficial for thousands of families facing challenging financial circumstances.