Energy giant has extended its support scheme for certain customers

British Gas will be paying out cash to certain customers as part of a support scheme.

The energy giant, which serves eight million customers, has expanded its You Pay: We Pay scheme to help struggling customers with the cost of living.

Customers may be able to access help if they are finding it difficult to keep up with payments.

READ MORE: £200 spring cost of living payments to start entering bank accounts

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British Gas will pay money into energy accounts, as long as customers commit to paying in the same amount for a six-month period.

For example, if someone puts in £100 a month, the energy company will do the same, giving them a £600 boost after six months to help pay their bills.

The scheme has been extended in recognition of a difficult winter for millions of households who are still struggling with the cost of living.

It also comes as energy bills are set to go up by an average of around £120 from April, along with other bills such as council tax and water.

Chris O’Shea, group chief executive of Centrica, parent company of British Gas said: “We know this winter has been particularly tough for many households, and it’s not always easy to keep on top of growing bills.

“We want to make sure as many customers as possible get the support they need and that’s why we’re extending our ‘You Pay: We Pay’ scheme.

“It’s our responsibility to provide support for our customers and that’s why we’ve put £140 million into helping those who need it most – with direct support and our ongoing commitment to the amazing team at the British Gas Energy Trust.”

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Explaining the scheme, the company said: “British Gas matches payments made by those who can afford to pay something over a period of six months and there is no minimum level of debt balance to qualify.

“For example, a customer paying £100 a month will pay £600 over six months with British Gas paying an additional £600 credit on their account, which may also help towards clearing an outstanding balance owed built up over the winter months.”