Cost of Living Help for Customers
We realise that many customers are struggling with the current cost of living in general and of energy in particular.
We want to make sure that you have all the information on help that is available to you at his time.
Below is an outline of help available and some additional resources for you to enquire further if needed.
Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme (AFP)
Approximately 2 million households in the UK use alternative fuels, such as LPG, as a source of energy.
Homes and businesses who aren't using use mains gas for heating, have access to the Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme.
The UK government announced in the Autumn Statement that it will double support to £200 for households using alternative fuels to heat their homes, in recognition of the pressures caused by these rising fuel costs.
The vast majority of households eligible for the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme in Great Britain will receive payment automatically via their electricity supplier with no need to take any action.
For the small number of customers who are unable to receive the funding automatically, for instance households in Great Britain without a direct relationship with an electricity supplier, the government will ensure there is a route for those households to apply for and receive the £200 support.
Online applications will open in January for households in England, Scotland and Wales who are eligible for the EBBS Alternative Funding to submit their details, alongside a helpline for those without online access.
You can find out more about the AFP by visiting the Government’s website.
Energy Bills Support Scheme discount (EBBS)
The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023.
The discount is automatic. If you get a message asking for your bank details, this could be a scam.
Eligibility
All households with a domestic electricity connection in England, Scotland and Wales are eligible for the discount.
How you’ll get the discount
You do not need to apply for the discount, and there’s no need to contact your energy supplier.
The discount will be applied to your monthly household electricity bill for 6 months starting in October 2022. You’ll get:
- £66 in October and November
- £67 in December, January, February and March
You’ll get the discount monthly, even if you pay for your energy quarterly or use a payment card.
Traditional prepayment meter users will get equivalent vouchers that you will need to redeem - see If you have a traditional prepayment meter for more information.
Your electricity supplier should provide more guidance on the scheme before it starts.
If you have not received your first instalment by the end of October 2022, you need to contact your supplier.
Other help available
If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off.
You may be able to get other kinds of support, including:
- a £650 Cost of Living Payment for households on means tested benefits
- a £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, to be paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment
- a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment for people who get certain disability benefits
- help from the Household Support Fund from your local council
- Citizen's Advice have lots of helpful resources HERE.
*Source https://www.gov.uk/
