Support for Rising Energy Costs

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I appreciate that the winter can be a particularly worrying time for many, heightened by rising energy costs that are being experienced globally as economies recover from Covid-19. The Government’s main priority at this time is to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers, or those on low incomes.

Please be assured that the energy price cap, that protects around 15 million customers from sudden energy price increases, will remain in place. To check if the energy price cap affects you, go to: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/.../check-if-energy-price-cap....

I would just like to bring to your attention a number of options and support measures that are available to you, if you are struggling to power your home this winter.

  1. Contact your supplier- if you are worried about your energy bill, suppliers can work with you on a payment plan (this is required under Ofgem rules). I know that suppliers are experiencing a large amount of correspondence at the moment, so if you are unable to contact them, I would be happy to raise your concerns for you.
  2. The Warm Home Discount- this provides eligible households with a one-off £140 discount on their energy bill this winter. To check if you are eligible, and to apply, contact your supplier.
  3. Winter Fuel Payments- worth between £100 and £300, there are paid automatically to those in receipt of State Pension on other social security benefits (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
  4. Cold Weather Payment- an automatic payment of £25 for vulnerable households on qualifying benefits when the weather has been unusually cold for a 7 day period.
  5. Household Support Fund- Councils have been provided emergency funding for households struggling with the cost of living over the winter period. Applications for this will be accepted until 31st March 2022 through your local council website:

As always, if you require my assistance or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at chris.heatonharris.mp@parliament.uk

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