More households using heating oil, LPG, biomass and other
alternative fuels will receive £200 in energy bills support,
thanks to the government’s expansion of the scheme, announced
today.
The UK government is continuing to get help to those households
across the UK that need it most - which is why today, Energy
Security Secretary has increased the period of
time that applicants can evidence purchase of alternative fuels,
by three months to June 2022, instead of September 2022. This
ensures that households who purchased fuel in bulk ahead of the
winter are able to receive the £200 energy bill support they are
entitled to.
This means those eligible for £200 Alternative Fuel Payment can
now apply using receipts from June 2022 – a three-month extension
– until May 2023. This is to recognise that many will have bought
fuel ahead of winter price rises - and it is right that these
households aren’t penalised.
Only a small number of households using alternative fuels as
their main heating source need to apply to receive bills support.
The vast majority of alternative fuel users will have already
received payments automatically. Earlier this year Mr Shapps also
increased the number of receipts that households can submit to
claim the Alternative Fuel Payment from two to 10.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero said:
We have already stepped in and paid half of a typical household
energy bill, but we also always want to make sure support gets to
those who need it.
That’s why today we’re again stepping in to make sure those
households using heating oil, LPG, biomass and more, can submit
receipts for fuel purchases as far back as June 2022, because we
recognise many households will have bought ahead of winter.
Minister for Energy
Consumers and Affordability said:
We will always stand by consumers and families who have been hit
by the impact of Putin’s illegal war on Ukraine.
Today we have gone one step further in extending our support to
users of heating oil, LPG, biomass and more, to make sure all
those in need of assistance with bills are able to access it.
Most will have got this automatically, but for those needing to
apply - if you haven’t done so already, I urge you to put in your
application to get the £200 support you’re entitled to.
This is just one of a range of ongoing schemes supporting
households and businesses with energy costs at this time - which
the government is urging all eligible customers to apply for and
take full advantage of:
-
The Non-Domestic
Alternative Fuel Payment scheme is providing top-ups
starting at £750 for organisations using large quantities of
kerosene heating oil, such as such as farms, hotels, charities
and public buildings like schools and hospitals. Organisations
have until 28 April to apply for this support via GOV.UK. The
scheme is also offering £150 payments to organisations using
alternative fuels. A minority of those eligible will also need
to apply for this extra support by 28 April if they haven’t
received payments automatically through an electricity
supplier.
- The Energy Bills Support
Scheme has provided £400 payments to help households with
winter energy bills. While most will have already received this
automatically, those on traditional prepayment meters need to
redeem support through vouchers from their electricity supplier
at either a Post Office or PayPoint outlet, as listed on the
voucher. Vouchers that have been lost, damaged or have expired
can be replaced - customers should contact their supplier
directly in these circumstances. All vouchers must be redeemed
by 30 June 2023.
- The Energy Bills Support
Scheme Alternative Funding provides equivalent £400 payments
to households who do not have a domestic electricity supply and
were not eligible to receive the Energy Bills Support Scheme
automatically. Eligible applicants include residents in partially
or wholly self-funded care homes and residents of park homes.
These households must apply either via GOV.UK or the contact
centre helpline by 31 May.
