Alternative energy bill funding schemes
Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) Alternative Funding - open from 27/02/2023
The EBSS Alternative Funding is a one-off £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households who have not received the main EBSS payment to help with their energy bills, between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023, but who are still facing increased energy costs.
The EBSS Alternative Funding scheme is being funded by HM Government. Its purpose is to help households who do not have a direct relationship with their energy supplier.
Eligible households will include those with a commercial landlord or intermediary, such as park home residents and some housing association tenants. The funding is expected to reach some vulnerable people, including self-funding residents in care homes, and has been set up to provide the payment to these households.
To qualify for a payment, the household must be occupied as the applicant's 'sole or main residence'. Empty properties and second homes are not eligible under this scheme.
Eligible applications that are verified by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will then be transferred to the Council for a local validation check. If this check proves successful, the Council will pay the £400 support payment to the applicant.
Apply for an energy bill support payment £400 at GOV.UK
Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) Alternative Funding – open from 06/03/2023
HM Government has announced the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) Alternative Funding scheme. This is a £200 support payment for households that use fuels other than gas to heat their homes.
Much of the delivery of this scheme will happen through energy suppliers, with eligible households being paid automatically via their electricity accounts in February. Payments should start on 6 February 2023 and no further action will be required by the household.
Although automated payments can be made to approximately 90% of eligible households, a small group will need to apply to receive the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) Alternative Fund.
Apply for an alternative fuel payment £200 at GOV.UK
Please do not contact the Council – we will not be able to help with making applications.
If you need help to apply, you must contact the helpline team:
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0808 175 3287 – Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.