Millions of households throughout Great Britain have seen a 50% increase in their energy bills, meaning that the average household will now have to pay an extra £700 for their energy each year. Energy costs are expected to rise again later this year, leaving many worried about how they will pay their bills without drastically changing their usage patterns.
In an attempt to help people deal with the increase in energy costs, the UK Government has pledged to provide households in Great Britain with a £400 eco government grant from October 2022. Known as the Energy Bills Support Scheme, this is one of many government heating schemes and grants designed to help the UK population navigate soaring energy prices. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Every household with a domestic connection to the electricity grid in England, Scotland and Wales is eligible for the £400 grant. Authorities in Northern Ireland will be given funding to provide similar support to those living there, though the details of their scheme are for them to decide.
Those who are currently on a pre-payment meter will also be eligible for the Energy Bills Support Scheme.
How do I apply?
You don’t need to apply for the grant. In most cases, your energy supplier will automatically apply the reduction from October onwards, so long as you are eligible for it.
There may be several factors which determine how you receive the grant, such as how you pay for your electricity, but these will not affect your eligibility for the scheme.
Will it need to be repaid?
The £400 is a grant, rather than a loan, meaning that it does not need to be paid back at any point.
What happens if I change my payment method, switch tariffs, or my energy supplier goes bust?
While the finer details of the scheme are still being decided, the government has said that it will ensure that customers who alter their payment method, who move to a different tariff with the same supplier, or whose energy supplier goes into administration will not be penalised. Your entitlement to the grant will not change.
The same applies to people who move house or who decide to switch to a new energy supplier.
Need more help paying your energy bills?
While the £400 grant will undoubtedly make a huge difference to many people throughout the UK, it is likely that others will still struggle to pay their energy bills with prices continuing to rise. If you need help reducing your energy costs, UK Energy Management (NE) Ltd can help.
We provide customers around the UK with the funding they need to improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs through energy-saving measures such as insulation, electric heating systems, storage heaters, solar panels, and much more. Check your eligibility for one of our eco government grants online or get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you.
