Extra energy bill support plan

RESIDENTS in Reading could be due extra support with their energy bills, according to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.

Households without a direct relationship to a domestic electricity supplier will be eligible to apply for support from the government with their energy bills.

Ministers are urging the more than 900,000 households to apply as soon as possible through the online portal, or via a dedicated helpline.

Government support will see a £400 lump sum given to eligible homes to help with the cost of heating and electricity.

The support will apply to those without a direct relationship to suppliers, which includes those living in park homes or care homes, as well as those in houseboats and caravans, heat-network or private wire homes, and off-grid or domestic farmhouse homes.

The support is part of the ‘alternative funding’ route of the government’s Energy

Bills Support Scheme, and is intended to reach those that the government’s original support scheme didn’t reach.

Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Amanda Solloway, said: “We understand the pressure households are under which is why we’ve already stepped in to pay around half of people’s energy bills this winter, and from today, thousands more will be able to apply securely for their £400.

“I’m urging everyone who couldn’t get their EBSS discounts in the regular way to apply via our secure channels. If you don’t have a direct contract with an electricity supplier, it’s essential you submit your application as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner help can get to you.”

Once customers have applied, details will be shared with Local Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, who will deliver the support.

Local authorities may request additional information to assist their verification process, but only once an application has been made via the secure portal or helpline.

Applicants will only be able to submit information through these channels and should not contact their local authority.

■ Applications for the support can be made via the helpline at 0808 175 3287, or online via: www.gov. uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic