The price of energy bills is once again set to be an issue for millions this winter as the cost of living crisis continues to have an impact.
Although the energy price cap now stands at £1,923, a fall from its level of £2,074 in July, bills are set to remain high given that this year there is no discount being given by the Government – as there was for six months in 2022 and early 2023.
Many of us will of course continue to seek help from the Government in the form of benefits, and the second cost of living payment – due to be arriving in eligible people’s accounts in the coming weeks.
But many energy companies are also offering help to customers in need this winter – in the shape of a payment known as the Warm Home Discount.
What is the discount and is your energy supplier among those taking part?
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government-run plan to cut costs on energy bills by £150 over the Winter of 2022 to 2023.
The scheme does not pay money directly to an individual. It is instead operated as a one-off discount on electricity bills between October 2023 and early 2024.
The scheme is due to open again on Monday October 16.
Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
If you live in England or Wales, Gov.UK lists two criteria to meet in order to qualify for the warm home discount:
- you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- you are on a low income and have high energy costs
If you live in Scotland, the above criteria also apply, but you can also qualify by meeting your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.
The scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier gives you both and you are eligible.
You should also receive the discount if you are on a pre-pay or top-up meter – for example in the form of a voucher.
You should speak to your supplier directly in both cases.
Which suppliers participate in the Warm Home Discount?
If you are with one of the following you should receive the discount if you ae eligible:
- 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
- Affect Energy
- Atlantic
- Boost
- British Gas
- Bulb Energy
- Co-op Energy
- E
- Ecotricity
- E.ON Next
- EDF
- Good Energy
- London Power
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Rebel Energy
- Sainsbury’s Energy
- Scottish Gas
- Scottish Hydro
- ScottishPower
- Shell Energy Retail
- So Energy
- Southern Electric
- SSE Energy Services
- Swalec
- Tomato Energy
- TruEnergy
- Utilita
- Utility Warehouse
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