Utilita, a leading UK energy provider, has begun distributing £150 payments directly to customers with smart prepay meters under the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme. Starting January 7, this significant initiative aims to support those facing financial challenges during the colder months by easing energy costs.
The Warm Home Discount, managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), provides a one-off annual payment of £150 to eligible customers. New regulations introduced in 2022 for England and Wales have eliminated the need for applications; if customers qualify, they will receive the payment automatically each year. This year’s scheme remains active until March 31, 2026.
For smart meter prepay customers, Utilita will credit the £150 directly to their electricity meters. Customers have the option to transfer these funds to their gas meters using the ‘Transfer Credit’ feature available on My Utilita. It’s important to note that if an account has existing debt, the Warm Home Discount payment will first be applied to reduce that balance, with any remaining funds credited to the meter. This approach helps decrease outstanding debts during winter, ensuring that subsequent top-ups fully contribute to energy use.
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Payments commenced on January 7, 2026, and will be disbursed in batches throughout the month, so customers may receive their funds on different days. If a customer has not received their payment by January 28, 2026, they are advised to contact Utilita for assistance.
For those who pay via Direct Debit or upon receipt of their bill, the £150 Warm Home Discount will be credited to their energy account and reflected in bills issued in February for January’s usage. Customers who do not see this credit by then should also reach out to the company.
Utilita’s streamlined process aims to make energy support more accessible and timely for vulnerable households, helping to alleviate the pressure of rising energy costs during winter.