Warm Home Discount Scheme

As energy costs continue to rise, keeping your home warm can seem like an increasingly expensive task, particularly in the winter months. However, the Warm Home Discount Scheme is a new initiative from the UK’s leading energy companies to help households on lower incomes stay warm this winter.

While increases may not be a surprise to households, the amount that they are increasing by is continually on the rise, making it more and more costly for low income homes to stay warm. The annual increase on energy costs can range from 3.9% (£49) with EDF Energy to 10% (£137) with npower, the Warm Home Discount Scheme is a welcome money saving opportunity for those who are most affected by the increase in energy costs.

Those who are eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme will receive up to £135 off their electricity bills in the winter. The scheme will run until 2014/15, and for the largest energy companies, it is a legal obligation to offer this discount. There are two groups of people who qualify for the scheme:

“People over 75 who are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (eligible even if they are in receipt of Savings Credit)”

“People under 75 who are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit alone (those in receipt of Savings Credit are not eligible)”

Those who are 75 or over must have been that age on July 20th 2013, and for those under 75 the discount should be applied automatically if they are not receiving Savings Credit. The deadline to claim the Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2013 to 2014 is March 14th 2014. Any claims made after this date will not be accepted.

For the claimants under 75, they will need to contact their energy supplier directly to find out whether or not they are eligible for the scheme. Applications will need to be made directly to the supplier, as opposed to the automatic discount for those over 75. There are 18 energy suppliers who are part of the scheme, including British Gas, EDF Energy, EON, npower and Scottish Power. The largest energy suppliers have a legal obligation to be part of the scheme, so get in touch with your supplier to find out if they are included.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is an excellent initiative designed to help the elderly and households on low income save on the increasing costs of keeping warm this winter. A saving of £135 can be incredibly useful, so make sure you aren’t missing out. For all your central heating needs, A&D Plumbing Services offer excellent service coupled with competitive pricing to ensure you get the best possible boiler and central heating installation, maintenance and repairs that you require.

Please feel free to get in touch with us today on 01206 205 940 – and we will be more than happy to help you with anything you need.