With the arrival of colder weather, many households in the UK are preparing to turn on their central heating, mindful of the high electricity and gas bills they faced last year. Although Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap has decreased since then, inflation remains high at 6.7%, leaving many struggling with the cost of goods and services. In response, MPs from the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee have called on Rishi Sunak’s government to provide support to households this winter.
Angus Brendan MacNeil, the committee’s chair, warned in September that vulnerable individuals will be haunted by memories of last year’s sacrifices to afford energy costs. He emphasized that one in four people still carry energy debts from last winter and urged the government to announce long-overdue support.
Fortunately, there is already a source of support available through the government’s Warm Home Discount scheme. Introduced in 2011, this scheme provides a £150 reduction in energy bills for eligible recipients. The discount is automatically applied between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024. To qualify in England and Wales, you must receive the guarantee credit element of pension credit or have a low income with energy costs.
For those receiving guarantee credit, eligibility requires having an energy supplier listed on the scheme’s website and having your name or your partner’s name on the electricity bill. If you are on a low income, you can qualify by receiving means-tested benefits such as housing benefit, income-related employment and support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income support, savings credit part of pension credit, or Universal Credit. You may also qualify if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you receive child tax credit or working tax credit.
To be eligible for the scheme, your property must also have a high energy cost score based on its type, age, and floor area. In Scotland, the qualifying criteria are similar, but you may need to apply through your energy company.
In most cases, there is no need to apply for the Warm Home Discount as it will be automatically added to your account. If you are eligible, you should receive a confirmation letter between early October 2023 and early January 2024. If you believe you are eligible but do not receive a letter, you can contact the Warm Home Discount helpline or write to the provided address.
For more information on the scheme, visit the dedicated page on the UK government’s website. Stay warm this winter!