The Government have announced several things that are going to help with the rising costs of energy bills.
The energy price cap announced earlier in the year would have meant that bills were going very high. The government have stepped in, and there is now an Energy Price Guarantee. The consumer saving will be based on usage, but on average usage a household will save £1,000 a year (based on current prices from October). Energy suppliers will be fully compensated by the government for the savings delivered to households.
Your actual bill and savings could be higher or lower depending on the size of your home, how well it is insulated, how many people live there and how much energy you use.
The price of energy is now coming down, and the Government will continue to subside costs.
Energy Bill Discount
£400 was taken off your energy bill from October to March. This was an automatic grant, which does not need to be paid back.
BE AWARE: There is a scam circulating where you are sent a text, and asked to complete a form in order to get your energy rebate. This is not from Ofgem. You will never be texted by Ofgem to sign up to anything in order to get money or a rebate.
£200 was paid to people using alternative fuels (not on mains gas)
Council Tax Rebate
If you live in Council Tax bands A to D in England you should have received £150 back from your Council Tax bill.
For most people the rebate is automatic, however if you don't pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit then get in touch with your council:
Anyone not eligible for the council tax rebate will be able to access support through their council, with councils being given £144 million of discretionary funding for this. This fund can also be used for people on lower incomes living in Band E-G properties.
Vulnerable households can also find financial support through a number of targeted schemes including the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payments. Additionally, most energy providers offer a Warm Home Discount to those eligible.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 26th September 1955 you could get a payment of £100-£300 towards the cost of your energy bills. There are full details of eligibility and how to apply here https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Cold Weather Payment
You might be able to get a Cold Weather Payment if you get support for mortgage interest, or certain benefits including income support, job-seekers allowance or pension benefit. You get a payment if the weather is on or below freezing for 7 consecutive days. Cold Weather Payments can start from 1st November, and you can get £25 per each cold week.
https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The warm home discount scheme could get £150 off your electricity bill for the winter. The scheme has now closed, and will re-open in October 2023.
The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill between October and March. You might be eligible if you are on pension credit, or on a low income. More details here
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Other sources of help
The British Gas Energy Trust help people in fuel poverty. You do not have to be a British Gas customer to qualify. The fund is open to anyone with an energy debt between £250 and £750 More here https://www.britishgas.co.uk/british-gas-energy-support-fund.html
Eon also provides support for existing customers: https://www.eonenergy.com/more-for-your-home/energy-fund.html as do
EDF https://www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-centre/faq/can-i-get-grant-help-me-pay-my-energy
Octopus energy advice https://octopus.energy/blog/struggling-to-pay/
Utility Warehouse https://uw.co.uk/help/paying-bills
Household Support Fund
£1.5 billion has been made available to support the most vulnerable to cover their essential daily costs, like energy bills. You can find out more from your local council:
Dorset Council Cost of Living Help
BCP Council Cost of Living Help
Cost of Living Payment
Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive extra cost of living payments.
If you’re entitled, you will get:
- £301 paid between 25 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 for most people on DWP benefits
- £301 paid between 2 and 9 May 2023 for most people on tax credits and no other low income benefits
- £300 paid during autumn 2023 for most people
- £299 paid during spring 2024 for most people
More details on the Government website here: Cost of Living Payments
Disability Cost of Living Payment
Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off £150 payment automatically between 20 June 2023 and 4 July 2023.
This is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.
Check if you're eligible for the Disability Cost of Living Payment here: Check Now
Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024, you will get an extra £150 or £300 paid with your normal payment from November 2023.
Check if you're eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment here: Check Now
Not received a payment?
If you have not received a payment that you think you are entitled to, you can enquire here:
https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome
