The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has set out energy measures in the Autumn Budget 2026, saying they aim to give families immediate relief from rising bills, which it attributes to conflict in the Middle East.

A £100 Household Energy Payment will go to households in Council Tax bands A to D in England from January 2027. Up to 20 million households are expected to be eligible. Second homes, empty properties and households not responsible for council tax are excluded. Direct debit payers need do nothing, while others will be invited by their council to apply. The scheme applies in England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive additional funding and decide how to use it. A further £100 million will support households not eligible for the rebate, and the £150 Warm Home Discount remains available to some means-tested benefit recipients.

Ofgem has been asked to remove standing charges from household gas bills as early as 2027, with those costs moving to the unit rate. The government says targeted mitigation for some vulnerable high-gas users will be set out in due course. Debt relief will be offered to vulnerable households that re-engage with suppliers, with Ofgem to consult on the final design.