Millions of UK households could receive a £150 reduction on their electricity bills this winter, but eligible customers are being urged to check that their name is registered on their energy account before the government’s deadline.
The Warm Home Discount scheme provides a one-off £150 reduction to eligible households receiving certain means-tested benefits. Energy suppliers use customer records from Sunday, August 23, to identify households that qualify for the support.
The scheme is expected to help about six million households with their winter energy costs, at a time when household budgets remain under pressure and energy prices are expected to rise again.
Eligible households generally receive the discount automatically if their electricity supplier has more than 1,000 customers. However, customers must have their name on the electricity bill and meet the benefit requirements.
Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Customers who have recently moved house are being advised to check their accounts because their name may not have been added to the electricity bill. The same applies to eligible households using prepayment meters, where the account associated with the payment key or card needs to be registered correctly.
Having the correct information on an energy account can also help suppliers identify customers who may require additional assistance, including support with energy debt and repayment arrangements.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh urged people to remind relatives, friends and neighbours who could qualify for the payment to check their electricity accounts.
“If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill,” she said.
The government is also changing how the scheme operates in Scotland. About 345,000 low-income Scottish households are expected to receive the payment automatically this winter.
The change brings Scotland’s system closer to arrangements in England and Wales. Previously, eligible households in Scotland were required to apply for the Warm Home Discount.
The timing of the support comes as households prepare for the next change in energy prices. Ofgem is due to announce the quarterly price cap later this month for the three months beginning in October.
The price cap determines the maximum rates suppliers can charge households on standard variable tariffs, although individual bills vary according to energy use.
For people receiving qualifying benefits, checking their electricity account before the August 23 date could therefore be important in ensuring they are identified for the £150 discount.
Customers who believe they qualify but do not receive the payment should check their details with their energy supplier and seek clarification about their eligibility.
