Energy price rise help

With the rising cost of energy, there are a number of government schemes and grants available to help people with their bills that you may qualify for such as the Warm Home Discount, the Winter Fuel Payment, and the Cold Weather Payment. Some energy suppliers also run their own energy grants and you don’t necessarily need to be their customer to take advantage of them. So what can you do…

Did you know, suppliers must work with you to agree a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules?

You can ask for:

• a review of your payments and debt repayments
• payment breaks or reductions
• more time to pay
• access to hardship funds
• Priority Service registration – a free support service if you are in a vulnerable situation

Does your utility supplier have a hardship fund?

The majority of utility companies offer more than just a payment plan. Check your supplier today:

• British Gas: http://www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/
• EON: http://www.eonenergyfund.com/
• Scottish Power: http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/help
• United Utilities: http://www.uutf.org.uk/

Have you checked if you qualify for a government scheme?

• Winter Fuel Payment – a £100 to £300 fuel payment for people born on or before the 26th September 1955. 
• Cold Weather Payment  – a £25 payment for every 7 days of very cold weather between November and March.
• Warm Home Discount – a £140 discount for some people getting Pension Credit or some people in low-income households. The Warm Home Discount has been increased to £150 for the winter of 2022/2023 and the eligibility criteria will be extended by almost a third and will benefit up to three million vulnerable households. This is as a direct response to the increase in the Price Cap this coming April.
• Energy Bill Support Scheme – Extra support for households – The government recognises that many households need support to help deal with rising energy bills. That is why it’s providing a package of support worth £37 billion which includes the Energy Bills Support Scheme.Through the Scheme, domestic electricity customers in Great Britain will receive a £400 grant which will appear as a credit from energy suppliers from October 2022 onwards. This will not need to be repaid. For the most up to date information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-bills-support-scheme-explaine
• Council Tax Rebate: will provide a payment of £150 to households living in council tax bands A – D. Local councils are responsible for determining who is eligible and making payments. These will be made from April 2022 and will not need to be paid back https://www.gov.uk/guidance/council-tax-rebate-factsheet

Remember you are not alone.  Support is available in West Sussex visit the advice in your area section to contact a local home energy advisor.