We seem to have skipped past autumn and gone right into winter as the temperatures drop – meaning many of us want to start using our heating appliances already but are dreading the rising energy bills. There is, thankfully, a little relief as the government is offering a small injection of cash to help us out.
The government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme will be coming into effect this month, offering most UK households a £400 discount on their bills. You do not have to do anything to get this money as the discount will be automatically applied.
The £400 rebate, administered by energy suppliers, will be paid to consumers over six months in the following instalments:
- October - £66
- November - £66
- December - £67
- January - £67
- February - £67
- March - £67
Those with a domestic electricity meter point paying for their energy via standard credit, payment card and direct debit will receive an automatic deduction to their bills over the six-month period – totalling £400.
Traditional prepayment meter customers will be provided with Energy Bill discount vouchers from the first week of each month, issued via SMS text, email or post, using the customer’s registered contact details. These customers will need to redeem these at their usual top-up point, such as their nearest PayPoint or Post Office branch.
In all cases, no household should be asked for bank details at any point.
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