What a peculiar British summer we have had in 2016! From the unruly heat waves that spiked into the high 20’s and on some days stepping over 30 degrees Celsius. Whist also featuring contrasting outbreaks of sudden rain and even lightning lasting for days. I mean predicting the British weather has become so complex and unpredictable that keeping an eye out on the weather forecast soon becomes immensely tedious. More intriguingly the UK government has very recently opened applications for the
Warm Home Discount Scheme. You may be thinking oh but winter is ages away, yet you know how quickly winter comes around and when your juggling other duties around the Christmas and New Year build up it can seem like there is just not enough time in the day.
What exactly is it?
The Warm home discount scheme essentially means that during winter 2016 to 2017 you may be able to get £140 off your electricity bill which is a fantastic bonus whether your property is fitted with the latest
energy saving electric radiators or not. Although you won’t receive a direct cheque as such the discount will be applied as a one off discount from your electricity bill between October 2016 and April 2017. The discount scheme isn’t available to everyone so it’s worth checking if you qualify below.
Do I qualify?
To qualify for the discount you must of met the following criteria back on the 10 July 2016
- Your electricity provider was enrolled on the scheme
- Your name or partners name was on the electricity bill
- You were receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
What if I don’t receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit?
It’s possible that you could still qualify especially if you are on a low income or you receive certain benefits. In a nutshell your electricity provider will be able to tell you for your circumstances if your eligible for the scheme and very much worth the five minutes to discover if you qualify to receive a £140 discount.
What if I have a pre pay or pay as you go electricity meter?
Whilst this won’t affect whether or not you quality for the scheme it will mean there will be a slightly different approach in how you will receive the discount since you won’t have a monthly direct debit set up. The route of discount may differ from one energy supplier to another so it may be worth giving your electricity supplier a quick call to ask them how they will provide the discount. Although usually energy suppliers send a voucher to you in order for you to obtain the discount.
What do I need to do?
You have until February the 28th 2017 to apply for the discount although you should automatically receive a letter by early December 2016. Although a number of electricity suppliers do require you to apply by completing a simple form online. If you don’t have access to a computer then you can still apply through sending a written form in the post although as with many things which aren’t on a computer database or algorithm this may take up to 4 weeks after they have received your application.
What if I’m looking to change suppliers or i’ve already changed electricity supplier?
Don’t panic if you are looking to switch electricity suppliers as this a great news which is to be encouraged! It doesn’t matter if you’ve changed once this year already and may change again nearer to the New year, the company that is responsible for issuing you the discount is which ever supplier that supplied you electricity on the 10th of July 2016.
