The Government has just announced that 2.7 million more households will receive £150 off their energy bills this winter through a change in the rules on who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount.

Energy companies distribute the £150 Warm Home Discount directly to customers’ accounts during autumn and winter, but the government sets the criteria for who should receive it.

The Government’s statement says “Every billpayer on means-tested benefits will now qualify.” This is achieved by removing the previous additional qualification criteria of living in a “high-cost-to-heat” home.

Our Chief Executive, Peter Owen said:
“The change is welcome news for many people struggling to keep their heating on during winter. However, we need to push much harder on improving the energy efficiency of people’s homes so they can minimise their energy needs permanently, and reduce their vulnerability to the continual uncertainty of energy markets.”

The cost of paying the Warm Home Discount is recovered by a small levy on all customers’ bills as part of the standing charge, but Government suggests the additional cost of the expansion will be paid by energy companies through efficiency savings and changes in how their operating costs are calculated.

Source: Millions more families to get £150 off energy bills this winter – GOV.UK

In addition to the Warm Home Discount there will be the potential for other support over winter through local council Household Support Fund, other supplier support, assistance from energy Trusts and charities as well as a potential stabilisation of tariffs through the Energy Price Cap.

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