Understanding your energy bill support and discounts

The cost of electricity and heating oil has rocketed this year and it’s set to rise again in October. We are all anxious about the coming months and therefore it’s useful to know what help and support there is available to you. The good Law project have issued the following advice, and I have added links to local support for you.

Direct financial support
The Government has made some financial support available throughout the year

£150 Council Tax Energy Rebate – Teignbridge District Council

Priority Services Register
Energy suppliers have a legal obligation to operate a Priority Services Register and to support customers who need more help because of their personal circumstances or because they are in a vulnerable situation. If they fail to provide support it may amount to unlawful discrimination.

Warm Homes Discount Scheme
Some suppliers are part of the Warm Homes Discount Scheme, which gives people who receive pension credit or are on a low income and certain means-tested benefits help with their electricity or gas bills.

Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Charitable trusts run by energy suppliers

Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills – Citizens Advice

Home Energy Efficiency Improvements

LEAP | The Energy and Money Saving Service | Free Advice (applyforleap.org.uk)

https://www.ecoe.org.uk

Cost of Living Payments

If you are a pensioner who’s eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you should automatically receive an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment top-up this winter.

Disability benefits claimants who have received the following benefits since 25 May 2022 are entitled to receive a one-off Disability Cost of Living Payment of £150

Means-tested benefits claimants receiving the following benefits should automatically receive a one-off £650 Cost of Living Payment

Debt support

Debt and money – Citizens Advice

TeignAid runs out of the Alice Cross every Thursday from 12.30 – 2.30pm