If you’ve received an Energy Bills Support Scheme voucher, redeem it at any Post Office as soon as you can. They’re only valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
If you haven’t received your vouchers, please contact your energy company.
In September, the government announced a policy to cap the cost of electricity and gas. While your bills are still determined by how much you use, the price that you pay per unit is now capped.
A new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’, in effect since 1 October, means a typical UK household will now pay up to an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill until April 2023. This is automatic and applies to all households and will save the average household at least £1,000 a year based on current energy prices from October.
The government has also introduced the Energy Bills Support Scheme, which provides a discount to all households. This scheme applies to everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In England, Scotland and Wales, this support is already being paid over six months in six monthly instalments: £66 in October and November, £67 in December, January, February and March. In Northern Ireland, the support payment will be made in one cash payment of £600 in January, which includes a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment.
If you have a domestic credit energy meter, or Smart PAYG meter you don’t need to apply for the discount or take any action – it will be applied automatically.
If you have a prepaid meter (topped up via electric keys or gas cards), you’ll automatically be issued with vouchers by email text or post. It’s important that your energy supplier has up-to-date contact details for you.
Customers of British Gas, EDF, E.ON, E.ON Next, Good Energy and Bulb can redeem their voucher at any Post Office branch and the amount will be applied directly to your prepaid card or key. You must redeem your voucher within three months of its issue date for it to be valid.
Most households in Northern Ireland will receive a single non-repayable payment totalling £600 to help with their energy bills, regardless of how they heat their home.
The payment is made up of the Energy Bills Support Scheme (£400) and the Alternative Fuel Payment (£200) and will be provided by the UK government through electricity suppliers.
The full amount of £600 will be paid in one single payment starting from 13 January.
If you pay your electricity bill by monthly or quarterly direct debit, you'll receive a refund of £600 directly into your bank account.
If you have a prepaid meter (topped up via Keypad), or pay a quarterly bill, you will receive a voucher by post. This voucher can be exchanged for cash or deposited into your bank account over the counter at any Post Office branch.
If you’re a Power NI, SSE Airtricity, Electric Ireland, Budget Energy or a Click Energy customer, you can redeem your voucher at any Post Office branch. Make sure you do this before the 31 March 2023 expiry date.
You’ll need to bring with you, your voucher letter, coupled with suitable ID, which is highlighted within the letter, to claim your credit. If someone else is claiming the credit for you, they’ll need to bring your ID and ID for themselves, as well as completing the 3rd party section on the back of your letter. Details of suitable ID can be found within the letter.
You can read more about the scheme on our Cost of Living Hub. The government also has further information about the Energy Support Scheme in Northern Ireland.
We’re here to support you. We’ve teamed up with Citizens Advice and Energy Saving Trust to give you advice and guidance on how to keep your bills as low as possible and save energy in your home.
There are schemes available to some people that may help pay energy bills. Check whether you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount (runs October to March).
There may also be help available from your local authority.
You should also check if your energy provider offers grants to help pay your energy bills. Eligibility for grants and discounts will vary by provider and depending on your circumstances.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, you should contact your energy supplier to see if they can help.
If you owe your supplier money, they have to help you arrange a way to pay with you that works for you both. The Fuel Direct Scheme may allow you to pay your debt directly from your benefits.
If you can’t come to an agreement with your supplier, or if you’re having trouble understanding the options available, visit citizensadvice.org.uk/energy for help.
If you’d like to talk to someone you can call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm). To speak to a Welsh-speaking advisor, call 0808 223 1144.
Find more money saving tips at energysavingtrust.org.uk/energybills.
*Savings are for a typical three-bedroom, gas-heated home in Great Britain, using a gas price of 7p/kWh and electricity price of 28p/kWh (based on April 2022 price cap). Water savings are based on average occupancy. This household is projected to spend a total £1,971 on energy annually, including standing charge. Figures updated 3 February 2022.