A MAJOR energy supplier will give out an extra £50million to support customers struggling to pay their bills.

British Gas is doubling its support to billpayers to help them manage their payments.

Details remain scarce but the extra money takes the total of support from the energy provide to £100million.

The first £50million was used across a number of different programmes.

This included £10million to support vulnerable customers with non-repayable credit.

Another £15million went into a small business fund providing grants to retailers such as pubs, shops, hairdressers and restaurants.

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Around £18million went into the Energy Support Fund which provides people with a grant worth up to £1,500.

And between £6 and £8million went to the British Gas Energy Trust which support customers also struggling to pay their bills.

British Gas hasn't yet confirmed how the second £50million will be distributed, but that it will go towards supporting customers.

Though more information on how customers can apply for the support should be announced over the next few months.

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It comes the same day British Gas announced it had made record-breaking profits in the first half of this year.

The energy giant's owner Centrica said British Gas made nearly £1billion in profits.

Figures soared by almost 900% with its gas and electricity arm leaping to 889%, totalling £969million in the six months leading up to June 30.

British Gas said the increase is largely thanks to Ofgem's energy price cap which allowed it to recoup some of the losses it faced last year.

In total, Centrica made a £6.5billion profit in the first six months of 2023 compared with a £1.1billion loss in the same months in 2022.

How else can I save on my energy bills?

Take a meter reading

An updated meter reading will mean your supplier has a better idea of your usage.

It means it'll then be able to charge you fairly.

Energy suppliers usually require you to take regular meter readings from your gas and electricity meter to work out how much they should charge you.

We've explained how to take and submit a meter reading.

Consider switching to a direct debit

Households who pay for their gas and electricity on receipt of bill will still end up paying £138 more per year compared to those who pay by direct debit or through a prepayment meter.

For most, the cheapest way to pay your energy bills is via direct debit.

It means that a household with typical usage can expect to pay £2,073.98 a year.

This is based on the average household using 12,000kWh of gas and 2,900kWh of electricity every year.

But those who pay on receipt of their bills will sadly pay more.

They can expect to pay £2,211.63 across the same period.

You can contact your energy company to discuss this change.

Check and challenge your bill

If you pay your energy bill by direct debit, then it is assumed that this monthly amount should be "fair and reasonable".

If you don't think it is, you can complain directly to your supplier in the first instance.

If you're not happy with the outcome you can take it to the independent Energy Ombudsman to dispute, but there are a few steps before you get to that stage.

Your supplier must clearly explain why it's chosen that amount for your direct debit.

If you've got credit on your account, you have every right to get it back – although some experts recommend keeping it there through the summer, so your bills don't go up in the winter when you use more energy.

Your supplier must refund you or explain exactly why not otherwise the regulator, Ofgem, can fine suppliers if they don't.

If you are disputing a bill, taking a meter reading is a must.

If it's lower than your estimate, you can ask your provider to lower your monthly direct debit to a more suitable amount.

But beware so you don’t end up in debt later on with a bigger catch-up bill at the end of the year from underpayments racking up.

If you don't have success in negotiating a lower payment then you can put in a complaint to the Energy Ombudsman.

Check if you qualify for support

Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.

The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.

Meanwhile, a £150 payment was issued to millions with disabilities.

Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment later this year.

Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you're struggling.

Here's a list of schemes open right now:

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• British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
• British Gas Energy Trust
• EDF Customer Support Fund
• E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
• Octopus Energy Assist Fund
• OVO Energy
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund

There's a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment meter.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

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