The Government has confirmed that households in England and Wales will begin receiving letters this week about the warm home discount, which provides £150 off energy bills. Eligible bill payers on means-tested benefits will receive the letters through to January 2027.
The letters will advise recipients that they will get the discount automatically, or if they need to phone the helpline, they must do so before February 26 2027 and provide further information to receive the funding.
Government Urges Eligible Households to Watch for Letters
Minister for energy consumers Polly Billington said: “I know that many families will be struggling with their energy bills this winter. That is why I urge those who think they qualify for the warm home discount to keep an eye out for a letter confirming their eligibility.”
Ned Hammond, deputy director of policy (customers) at Energy UK, said: “The warm home discount offers vital help for millions of households through the colder months, and this week the Government will begin sending letters to eligible customers to explain how the support will be delivered.”
Hammond added: “As we face the prospect of another winter of high and volatile energy prices, we encourage anyone struggling with their bill to contact their supplier to see what help is available for them.”
Advice from Energy Saving Trust
Stew Horne, group head of sector intelligence and external affairs at Energy Saving Trust, said: “As the weather turns colder and households start using more energy, many people will be worried about how they’ll afford their energy bills.”
Horne continued: “The warm home discount provides valuable support to eligible households, helping to ease the cost of keeping homes warm. We encourage people to read their letters from the UK Government carefully and check whether they need to take any action. Understanding the support available and responding promptly if required can help ensure you receive the help you’re entitled to this winter.”
Storm Warnings in Parts of UK
The energy bill help is being confirmed this week at the same time as parts of the UK face an onslaught of bad weather. In Merseyside, the Met Office has issued a warning for strong winds from 10am today (October 23) until 9pm this evening (October 23).
The warning is associated with Storm Austen, one of two storms taking place this weekend. Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, could bring winds reaching up to 80mph across portions of south-west England, with winds of 60-70mph anticipated widely throughout the area.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind lasting until 10am today in parts of the UK. Storm Boelo is set to hit Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England this weekend with what the forecaster described as "impactful winds".
