The 2026 energy bill rebate is worth up to £400 per household, but eligibility depends on your council tax band and local authority scheme
The UK government’s 2026 Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) offers a one-off rebate to help with rising electricity costs. The payment is applied automatically for most households in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The 2026 energy bill rebate is up to £400 per household for council tax bands A–D in England and Wales, and all bands in Scotland. Bands E–H may get less, depending on your local authority scheme. Compare your eligibility now.
- Households in council tax bands A–D get the full £400 rebate automatically.
- Bands E–H may receive £0 to £400 depending on your local authority.
- Payments are made in six monthly instalments from October 2026 to March 2027.
- Prepayment meter customers get credit or a voucher redeemable at PayPoint.
- Scottish households in all bands qualify for the full £400 rebate.
- The 2026 energy bill rebate is worth up to £400 per household, but eligibility depends on your council tax band and local authority scheme
- How the 2026 energy bill rebate is paid and when
- Quick numbers 2026 energy bill rebate eligibility and payment details
- Who does not qualify for the 2026 energy bill rebate
- How to check your eligibility for the 2026 energy bill rebate
- What to do if you have not received your energy bill rebate
- Verifying your energy supplier’s rebate process and installer compliance
- The 2026 energy bill rebate is a temporary scheme, not a permanent discount
The full £400 rebate is not available to everyone. It is only guaranteed for households in council tax bands A–D. Households in bands E–H may receive a reduced amount or nothing, depending on decisions made by their local authority (GOV.UK – Energy Bills Support Scheme, 2026).
How the 2026 energy bill rebate is paid and when
The £400 rebate is paid in six monthly instalments from October 2026 to March 2027. Each instalment is between £66 and £67, credited directly to your electricity account (Ofgem – Energy Bills Support Scheme guidance, 2026).
If you have a prepayment meter, the rebate is applied as a credit or voucher. It is not deducted from your bill. You may need to redeem the voucher at a PayPoint or Post Office, depending on your supplier’s process.
Quick numbers 2026 energy bill rebate eligibility and payment details
| Eligibility criterion | Amount | Payment mechanism | Timeline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Council tax band A–D households in England and Wales | £400 | Automatic credit to electricity account | Oct 2026 – Mar 2027, six monthly instalments | GOV.UK, 2026 |
| Council tax band E–H households in England and Wales | Varies by local authority (may be £0 to £400) | Automatic credit or separate payment | Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 | GOV.UK, 2026 |
| Scottish households (all bands) | £400 | Automatic credit to electricity account | Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 | GOV.UK, 2026 |
| Prepayment meter customers | £400 | Credit or voucher redeemable at PayPoint/Post Office | Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 | Ofgem, 2026 |
| Off-grid customers (heating oil, LPG) | £200 (separate Alternative Fuel Payment) | Automatic credit to electricity account or separate payment | Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 | GOV.UK, 2026 |
Who does not qualify for the 2026 energy bill rebate
Households in council tax bands E–H in England and Wales are not automatically eligible. Local authorities decide whether to provide a reduced rebate or none at all (DESNZ – Energy Bills Support Scheme: eligibility criteria, 2026).
Second homes, empty properties, and properties exempt from council tax do not qualify. Exempt properties include student halls of residence, care homes, and properties occupied only by full-time students. Households in Northern Ireland have a separate scheme and are not covered by the EBSS.
How to check your eligibility for the 2026 energy bill rebate
Check your council tax band using the GOV.UK council tax band checker for England, Scotland, or Wales (GOV.UK – Check your council tax band, 2026). This will tell you if you are in bands A–D or E–H.
If you are in a band E–H property in England or Wales, contact your local authority directly. Ask if they have opted to provide a rebate and the amount you can expect (GOV.UK – Local authority rebate schemes, 2026).
What to do if you have not received your energy bill rebate
If you are eligible and have not received the rebate by January 2027, contact your electricity supplier first. They are responsible for applying the payment to your account (Ofgem – Energy Bills Support Scheme complaints process, 2026).
If your supplier does not resolve the issue, escalate the complaint to Ofgem’s consumer helpline. You can also contact the Energy Ombudsman for a binding decision if the matter remains unresolved.
Verifying your energy supplier’s rebate process and installer compliance
Your electricity supplier must be registered with Ofgem to apply the rebate. You can check your supplier’s status on the Ofgem supplier list (Ofgem – Supplier list, 2026).
If the rebate is linked to a new heating system installation, such as a heat pump or boiler upgrade, the installer must be MCS-certified for the rebate to be valid. Use the MCS register to find an approved installer (MCS register – Find an installer, 2026).
how to check your council tax band for rebates
what to do if your energy supplier refuses a rebate
The 2026 energy bill rebate is a temporary scheme, not a permanent discount
The rebate is a one-off government intervention for the 2026–2027 winter. It is not a permanent reduction in energy prices (DESNZ – Energy Bills Support Scheme: scheme closure notice, 2026).
After March 2027, your electricity bill will return to standard rates unless further government schemes are announced. The rebate does not affect your energy tariff or standing charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Households in council tax bands A–D in England and Wales, plus all bands in Scotland, qualify for the full £400 rebate. Bands E–H may get less or nothing, set by your local authority (GOV.UK – Energy Bills Support Scheme, 2026).
The £400 rebate is credited directly to your electricity account in six monthly instalments of £66–£67 from October 2026 to March 2027. Prepayment meter customers receive credit or a voucher (Ofgem – Energy Bills Support Scheme guidance, 2026).
No, the rebate is automatic for most households. You do not need to apply. Prepayment meter customers may need to redeem a voucher at a PayPoint or Post Office (GOV.UK, 2026).
You still receive the £400 rebate as a credit on your meter or as a voucher. The voucher must be redeemed at a PayPoint or Post Office within the specified timeframe (Ofgem, 2026).
Off-grid customers using heating oil or LPG may receive a reduced rebate of £200, not the full £400. Check with your local authority for exact details (GOV.UK, 2026).
