11 May 2023
- Households across Scotland are being urged to claim hundreds of pounds of Government support with energy bills by 31 May, to make sure they get help they’re eligible for.
- A range of schemes set up by Ministers saw the Government covering around half a typical household’s energy bill this winter.
- Support is still available for some who couldn’t receive this help directly and application deadlines remain open until the end of the month.
- Consumer Energy Minister Amanda Solloway is today urging people to check whether they’re eligible to apply on the Government’s online portal and claim the support available through two dedicated schemes.
- The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF), which opened in February, offers £400 to those who don’t have a direct relationship with a domestic electricity supplier.
- Typically, this includes farmers, park home residents, houseboats on a fixed mooring and those who live in partly or wholly self-funded care homes.
- Figures published today show 9,490 customers in Scotland have got their applications in so far. Households who could qualify but have not yet applied have until 31 May to join them.
- Amanda Solloway has also called on people who use alternative fuels – such as heating oil, LPG or biomass – to heat their homes, to make the most of the dedicated Alternative Fuel Payment Alternative Funding scheme.
- Eligible households still have until the end of the month to get their applications in for £200 under the scheme if they couldn’t receive the support automatically.
- Significantly more people are thought to be eligible for support under both schemes than have so far applied, with households able to submit an application by 31 May.
- Households can get more details and apply via GOV.UK or contact a dedicated customer helpline – 0808 175 3287 for EBSS AF applications, and 0808 175 3943 for households who use alternative fuels. If someone has previously applied and is unsure why their application has not been successful, they can also contact the relevant helplines for assistance.
Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on energy prices around the world – we have acted quickly to help customers in Scotland and across the UK with their bills.
“This meant we covered around half of a typical household’s energy bill this winter, with most customers receiving this discount straight to their bills. But there are some groups we need to come forward to get their support – and there is still time to do so.
“People could still receive hundreds of pounds in savings, so please don’t miss out – use our online portal and helplines to check if you’re eligible and get an application in before 31 May.”
Consumer Energy Minister Amanda Solloway urges people to check whether they can apply by 31 May for support available through two dedicated schemes.