Energy companies are slashing the bills of some of their most vulnerable customers to help them over the cold winter months. Eligible households are getting a £150 boost from their supplier between October and March under the Warm Home Discount.
The scheme targets the worst-off pensioners and other households who are most likely to be worrying about their gas and electricity bills during winter. The £150 is taken directly off bills and added as credit to energy accounts or issued as a voucher, rather than a cash payment.
This is to ensure the funding helps with energy bills as intended rather than being spent on other things. The poorest pensioners and other adults face huge challenges paying for their gas and electricity bills and the support aims to ensure they can keep the heating on.
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Energy companies decide when to apply the Warm Home Discount and many people will likely have received the help already. It should happen automatically for households who qualify.
The Government explained: “The Warm Home Discount scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
“You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. You only need to apply if you’re on a low income in Scotland – contact your energy supplier to apply.
“You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.”