Warm Home Discount (WHD)

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme supports those on low-income and who are vulnerable to cold-related illness or living wholly or mainly in fuel poverty and came into effect in April 2011.  

Scheme status 

The scheme covers England, Scotland and Wales and will run until 31 March 2031.  

Since 2022, the Warm Home Discount has operated as two separate schemes. One covering England and Wales. And the second covering Scotland.  

The Warm Home Discount Scheme does not run in Northern Ireland, however there is an Affordable Warmth Scheme available. 

Supplier obligations 

All domestic energy suppliers with over 1,000 customers are required to provide an annual bill discount, also known as a rebate, to eligible households. 

Some smaller suppliers that are not obligated under Warm Home Discount Scheme may choose to participate voluntarily. These suppliers only contribute towards the core groups. 

You can find the list of participating energy suppliers in the eligibility section. 

Government’s role and responsibilities 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme policy and legislation and administers the core groups and the broader group.  

A government consultation on continuing the Warm Home Discount concluded in January 2026. Changes to the Warm Home Discount Scheme have been made in response from April 2026 onwards.  

Ofgem’s role and responsibilities 

Our role is to administer the industry initiatives and facilitate suppliers’ compliance with the scheme. 

Scheme years and categories 

The Warm Home Discount runs in annual scheme years. Scheme 16 begins in 2026.  
 
In England and Wales scheme year 16 runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.  
 
In Scotland we anticipate scheme year 16 will begin on 7 May 2026 and will run till 31 March 2027.  
 
Scheme years 17,18, 19 and 20 will each run from 1 April to 31 March of the following year. 

Eligibility groups are applied differently across Great Britain. In England and Wales, the core group and industry initiatives apply to the scheme. 

In Scotland the core group, industry initiatives and broader group apply to the scheme.  

You can find out more about the categories in the eligibility section.