Energy bills discount scheme: How and when will Newcastle households get electric bill support?

Every household across the UK with a domestic electricity connection is eligible for a £400 discount to help with their energy bills this winter.

Here’s all you need to know about the support scheme.

Do I need to apply for the energy bills discount scheme?

The support fund is automatically allocated to each household in the UK, meaning no paperwork needs to be filled in to get support.

Any messages which seem to be from a bank or energy supplier could be disingenuous and any suspicious messages can be reported through the Government website.

The discount will still apply to those who change their payment method, change their tariff, switch suppliers, move house, owe money or their supplier goes bust.

Any property which is off the grid or is a park home or houseboat can get equivalent support of £400.

How will I get the financial support?

Anyone who pays their electric bills by direct debit will see their support be applied to their monthly household electric bill for six months.

This will start from the October 2022 payment and will run throughout the winter months.

Discounts will consist of a £66 reduction in October and November then £67 in December, January, February and March.

Houses with traditional prepayment meters will get vouchers which need to be redeemed. This will either be sent as redeemable vouchers sent by email, text or post or an automatic credit when topped up. The house’s energy supplier will make residents aware of how this will be sorted out.

Households with smart prepayment meters will see discounts credited directly onto the meter in the first week of every month.

Anyone who pays with a standard debit or credit card will have their discount applied as a credit to their account in the first week of every month.

What if I pay electricity as part of my rent?

In the case of ‘all inclusive’ rent, the landlord is expected to come to an agreement with the resident in line with the tenancy agreement. Alternatively, the landlord’s fixed charge may already be provided with similar protection from the impact of the energy price increase.

If the landlord has an electricity contract with a supplier and bills are paid for as part of the rent, the landlord can pass the discount down to the resident. If this is the case, they must comply with rules which prevent them from making a profit on the electricity bill.

What other cost of living support is available?

The government has looked to provide assistance for many groups as the cost of living crisis enters the colder months of the year.

£650 has been allocated to households in means tested benefits while the £300 pensioner cost of living payment is set to be paid alongside the winter fuel payment.

A £150 disability cost of living payment is also available to households which receive certain disability benefits.

The Government are also able to provide grants to some households who are in debt to their energy supplier.