The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has introduced the Warm Home Discount (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which came into force on 1 May 2026 and will run until 31 March 2031. ome Discount Scheme in Scotland, a key government policy aimed at reducing fuel poverty by requiring licensed energy suppliers to provide financial support to vulnerable households.
Under the scheme, larger energy suppliers (those with more than 1,000 domestic customers) are mandated to participate, while smaller suppliers may opt in voluntarily.
Participating suppliers must deliver annual support to eligible households, including a £150 rebate applied directly to energy bills for qualifying domestic electricity and gas customers.
The scheme maintains a dual approach to eligibility through:
- A core group, typically identified via data matching for automatic rebates; and
- A broader group, where eligible low‑income households may apply via their supplier.
Overall, the continuation of the scheme provides long-term certainty for suppliers and consumers, while reinforcing government efforts to support households most at risk of fuel poverty in Scotland through targeted bill reductions.