The Warm Home Discount scheme is a four-year scheme that
runs from April 2011 to March 2015 to help low-income and vulnerable households
with energy costs. The scheme will be worth up to £1.1bn and we expect around 2
million low-income and vulnerable households will be assisted annually. The
funding will come from the participating energy suppliers.
There are four elements to the scheme:
Core Group: The Warm Home Discount scheme requires
participating energy suppliers to give a discount on their electricity bill to
a specified group of their older customers on low incomes, known as the Core
Group.
Broader Group: support is being targeted at low income
and vulnerable households who are fuel poor or in a fuel poverty risk group.
Participating energy suppliers have discretion over the eligibility criteria
for the Broader Group, but still need to target those in or at risk of fuel
poverty and their criteria for this and the processes they will use to verify
eligibility, will be subject to approval from Ofgem [External link].
Legacy Spend: energy suppliers can continue to provide
support through discounted/social tariffs and rebates.
Industry Initiatives: energy supplier-funded programmes
and partnerships which assist those in or at risk of fuel poverty with a range
of support, including benefit entitlement checks, debt advice and energy
efficiency measures.
Who is eligible for the Core Group discount?
Eligibility for the Core Group is linked specifically to
the type of benefits received. In winter
2012/13, you may qualify for this energy discount if on 21 July 2012 (the
qualifying date) you are either:
aged under 80
and receiving only the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (no Savings
Credit)
aged 80 or over
and are receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, (even if you
get Savings Credit as well)
And both of the following apply:
your
electricity supplier is participating in the scheme
you or your
partner is named on your electricity bill
How do the electricity suppliers know who is in the Core
Group?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and
participating electricity suppliers have shared some limited information about
their customers. This allows participating suppliers to give the discount
automatically to customers who qualify or to write to those who may qualify but
could not be matched automatically.
When will I get my Core Group discount?
The next energy discounts will be made in winter 2012/13.
If you qualify you’ll receive a confirmation letter from the Government in
winter 2012/13.
If you qualify but a rebate can’t be made automatically,
you’ll receive a letter asking you to provide further information that is
available on your electricity bill.
Please note this scheme is now closed for winter 2011/12.
Discounts for that year were £120.
Broader Group assistance for those not on Pension Credit
Guarantee Credit only
The Government recognises that other groups such as low
income families and those with long-term illnesses and disabilities may also
need assistance with their energy costs.
As part of the Warm Home Discount Scheme, participating
electricity suppliers have been asked to provide a set amount of support to a
'broader group' of their customers, which will also receive a discount of £130
in 2012/13.
More information on which suppliers currently have
schemes running is available on the Broader Group Scheme web page.
Energy suppliers participating in the Warm Home Discount
Scheme
The electricity suppliers involved in this scheme are:
Atlantic
British Gas
EDF Energy
E.ON
Equipower
Manweb
M&S Energy
npower
Sainsbury's
Energy
Scottish Gas
Scottish Hydro
ScottishPower
Southern
Electric
SSE
Swalec
Utility
Warehouse
