Have you received all of the energy support that you are entitled to?

There have been a number of energy support schemes from HM Government available to households since October 2022, depending on the way that you receive and pay for your energy supply.

Most households received a £400 discount on their energy bills automatically through their electricity provider and this will show on your energy statements, but some people will need to claim their discount another way.  This includes: 

• Anybody who uses a traditional pre-payment meter to pay for electricity 
• Those without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier 
• Households who use an alternative fuel 

Use this guide to help you work out if you have received all of the support that you should have done, and what to do if you haven’t received any yet; 

Energy Bills Support Scheme – Traditional pre-payment meter 

Households who use a traditional pre-payment meter to pay for their electricity have been sent vouchers to redeem their £400 energy bills support. These may have been sent by text, e-mail or by post and can be used when you are topping up as normal.  If you haven’t received your vouchers, check any unopened mail and your junk folders on e-mail, before making sure that your electricity provider has got up-to-date contact details for you. 

The last day to redeem your energy bills support using pre-payment meter vouchers is 30th June 2023.  

Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding 

The alternative funding scheme is a one-off payment of £400 for households who do not have a direct relationship to an electricity provider.  This includes people who live in care homes and park homes among others.  Find out more here.

Eligible households must apply for this payment by 31st May 2023 on Gov.uk by searching ‘energy bills support if you do not get it automatically’ or by calling 0808 175 3287 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 

Alternative Fuel Payment  

Households who do not have a domestic gas supply, and instead use an alternative fuel such as LPG or biomass, are eligible for a further £200 payment.  This has been received by most eligible households automatically through their electricity provider and will be shown on your electricity statement. 

Households who don’t have either a domestic gas supply or a direct relationship with an electricity provider will need to apply for the Alternative Fuel Payment – Alternative Funding to receive a one-off £200 payment. Find out more here.

Eligible households must apply for this payment by 31st May 2023 on Gov.uk by searching ‘Apply for alternative fuel bill support if you do not get it automatically’ or by calling 0808 175 3287 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for finance and corporate resources said:- 

“Most households in Shropshire should now have benefitted from some form of energy bills support from HM Government, but we know that some households still need to claim their discount.  

“As the deadlines for pre-payment meter vouchers and the alternative funding schemes are now approaching, we hope that this guide will help people to claim the support that they are entitled to. 

“Along with our community partners, Shropshire Council’s cost of living support is ongoing, helping Shropshire residents to find the resources and support that they need.  There is more information on our webpages and at community venues all across the county.”  

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