How You Can Receive £200 Energy Bill Support For Using Alternative Fuels

The scheme offering aid to households using alternative fuels like heating oil, LPG, and biomass, has been prolonged by the UK government. Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has sanctioned an extension of three months until June 2022, allowing applicants to validate their fuel purchases and claim the entitled £200 energy bill support until May 2023.

What is the alternative fuel payment?

This scheme is offered by the UK government, and it provides financial aid to eligible households that use alternative fuels to heat their homes. It is intended to support households that are not connected to the gas grid and have higher energy bills due to the use of alternative fuels.

Under the scheme, eligible households can claim a payment of £200 to support the purchase of alternative fuels. This amount can be used to offset the cost of heating their homes, and it is provided once per month.

As many households will have bought ahead, to be eligible for the payment, households must have purchased a minimum of 2300 liters of heating oil, or 500 kilograms of LPG or biomass between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022.

Do I need to apply for the scheme?

The application process for the scheme is straightforward, and eligible households can apply online through the government’s official website. The deadline to apply for the scheme is 31 May 2023, and payments are made directly to the applicant’s bank account. It’s worth noting that the scheme is subject to change, and the payment amount and eligibility criteria may be revised in the future.

The payment will be automatically processed for the vast majority of households and non-domestic properties, and they do not need to take any action. The government will contact them to inform them about the payment, as the government wants to make sure support gets to the intended recipient.

However, if you think you are entitled to the payment but did not receive it in February 2023, you can now directly apply to the government.

Is the scheme eligible for non domestic customers?

Yes. Non-domestic properties refer to a range of establishments that are not used as primary residences. This includes businesses such as farms, warehouses, pubs, and hotels, as well as voluntary sector organizations like charities, places of worship, and community halls, and public buildings like schools, hospitals, and prisons.

Individuals, organizations, or businesses with non-domestic properties that are connected to the electricity grid are entitled to receive £150 payments automatically. However, if you have not received this payment, you may need to contact your energy supplier.

In addition, if your non-domestic property is not connected to the gas or electricity grid and you purchased alternative fuels for use at the property between September 2022 and January 2023, you can apply for a fixed payment of £150 through the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment scheme.

I’m already receiving energy bill support from the Government, should I get the £200 payment too?

The Alternative Fuel Payment is an additional payment on top of other support offered by the Government to help with the cost of high energy bills. If you are eligible, you will continue to receive other discounts, such as the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBSS).

What additional support for households are there?

There is a variety of support schemes available for households, pensioners and families who have been hit by the impact of high energy bills:

1. Winter Fuel Payment: This is a tax-free payment made to eligible households to help with heating costs during the winter months. It is available to people born on or before 5 October 1954, and the amount varies depending on age and other factors.
2. Warm Home Discount: This is a one-off discount of £140 off typical household energy bill between September and March. It is available to certain low-income and vulnerable households, including those on certain benefits.
3. Energy Bills Support Scheme: The Government previously announced a £400 discount to help with energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. This is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme and payments were awarded to eligible households from October onwards via their energy supplier.
4. Cost of Living Payment: A payment known as the Cost of Living Payment will be automatically disbursed in two instalments to households receiving means tested benefits, which include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Tax Credits. This year, eligible customers will receive a total of £650, with the first payment of £326 already disbursed during the summer. The second payment, amounting to £324, will be disbursed between 8 and 23 November by the DWP to eligible customers, and between 23 and 30 November by HMRC to customers receiving tax credits exclusively and no other eligible DWP benefits. It’s important to note that this payment is separate from the £400 discount on energy bills.
5. Pensioner cost of living payment: During winter months, pensioners can receive a financial allowance ranging from £100 to £300 to assist them in paying their heating bills. Additionally, this winter, pensioners will receive a one-time supplementary payment of £300 known as the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. This payment will be added as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Can I move onto the gas grid?

Moving onto the gas grid typically involves several steps, and the process may vary depending on where you live. Here are some general steps to follow:

1. Check if gas is available in your area: The first step is to find out if gas is available in your area. You can check with your local gas distribution network (GDN) company or use an online postcode checker. If gas is available, you will need to contact a gas supplier to set up an account.
2. Choose a gas supplier: There are many gas suppliers to choose from in the UK, and you can compare prices and services online to find the best deal for you.
3. Choose a gas meter: Once you have chosen a gas supplier, they will arrange for a meter to be installed at your property. There are different types of meters available, including standard meters and prepayment meters, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
4. Arrange for gas connection: If there is no existing gas connection at your property, you will need to arrange for a connection to be made. This will involve digging up the road or footpath outside your property to lay a gas pipe, and may require planning permission and other permits.
5. Have gas appliances installed: Once you are connected to the gas grid, you will need to have gas appliances installed if you don’t already have them. This may include a gas boiler for heating and hot water, a gas cooker, and a gas fire if desired.

What are some energy saving tips?

1. Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
2. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and unplug chargers when not charging.
3. Use a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling, and set it to lower or higher temperatures when you’re not at home.
4. Seal leaks around doors and windows to prevent drafts and keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
5. Use natural light and ventilation whenever possible to reduce the need for electric lighting and air conditioning.
6. Wash clothes in cold water to save energy and extend the life of your clothes.
7. Clean air filters regularly to ensure that heating and cooling systems work efficiently.
8. Use energy-efficient appliances and electronics, such as ENERGY STAR certified models.
9. Plant trees or install shading devices to block direct sunlight in the summer and reduce cooling needs.
10. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water consumption and heating costs.