All UK households will get more than £400 off their energy bills this winter, as the Government revealed the details of its cost-of-living support.
The £11.7 billion scheme is part of the £37 billion cost of living assistance package aimed at helping people through the colder months, the Daily Record reports. However, that support came in response to predictions that energy bills would rise to £2,800 for the average household in October, but since then the forecasts have become even bleaker
A discount of £66 will be applied to energy bills in October and November, rising to £67 each month from December through to March 2023. It will be administered by energy suppliers. Those with a domestic electricity meter point paying for their energy via standard credit, payment card and direct debit will receive an automatic deduction to their bills.
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Traditional prepayment meter customers will be provided with energy bill discount vouchers in the first week of each month, issued via text message, email or post, using the customer's registered contact details. These customers will need to take action to redeem these at their usual top-up point, such as their nearest local PayPoint or Post Office branch.
Smart prepayment meter customers will see the energy bill discount credited directly to their smart prepayment meters in the first week of each month of delivery.
Suppliers will be expected to report to Government the action they are taking to ensure the support has been passed on to consumers, including notifying customers in writing they have received the £400 energy bill discount and ensuring it is clearly shown on bills or statements.
The Government says no household should be asked for bank details at any point. Ministers are urging consumers to stay alert of potential scams and report them to the authorities.
The £400 discount will be administered by suppliers and paid to customers over six months with payments starting from October 2022.
This discount will be applied as follows:
- October - £66
- November - £66
- December - £67
- January - £67
- February - £67
- March - £67
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