Households Urged to Apply for Energy Support

Published:

Categories: Constituency, Energy, Inequality, UK Government (Westminster)

March Deadlines Looming

Local MP Alyn Smith has urged Stirling residents to apply for energy support schemes, after reports of poor uptake.

Residents of static park homes in Scotland who pay for their electricity directly to the site owner can apply for the Park Homes Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is an individual payment of £150 on a first-come-first-served basis. Charis, who are managing the scheme, have only received applications to cover about 10% of the total funds, though they have over £250,000 available to support this vulnerable cohort.

The scheme officially closes at the end of March but Charis are encouraging households to apply as soon as possible: https://pahwhd.charisgrants.com/

Almost 20% of households with prepayment gas and electricity meters have not redeemed their energy rebate vouchers. Only valid for 90 days, these are issued by PayPoint. Vouchers issued in November will have now expired. Almost one in five households in Scotland use prepayment meters for their gas or electricity.

Most households will have £400 automatically taken off their electricity bills in six instalments, or will have the money added to their accounts. However, those on traditional prepayment meters need the vouchers to get the discount. PayPoint said that 79 per cent of customers have so far redeemed their December vouchers, which have a deadline of March 8. Customers who have not yet redeemed their January vouchers have until April 9.

Advice Direct Scotland wants to make sure that households do not miss out and has urged Scots to: 

  • Check unopened mail, in case the vouchers have been missed.
  • Check with energy suppliers, using contact details found on bills, statements, and official websites.
  • Contact energyadvice.scot if there are any difficulties getting through to suppliers or resolving issues. The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.energyadvice.scot.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘Support exists for households struggling to pay their energy bills. I urge those in static park homes, or households on pre-payment meters, to apply for these schemes as soon as possible before they close. The cost of living crisis continues to bite as increasing food and fuel bills add further strain to already stretched budgets. The UK Government must do much more to ensure these energy schemes are advertised to those eligible to apply – and that  household bills reflect falling wholesale energy prices.’