Published: Thursday, 16th March 2023

Residents who missed out on the automatic £400 discount from energy providers can now apply for a new alternative scheme to support households with the cost of living crisis.

In December 2022, the Government announced alternative funding for the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) to reach residents in assisted living, traveller communities and private rented accommodation with a communal electricity supply.  

It is a one-off, non-repayable discount. 

Councillor Ivis Williams, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value said: “Residents across the borough are facing financial pressure due to the cost of living crisis. Schemes like this are essential to support those who need it most, especially those communities who may be missing out by not meeting set criteria.  

“We hope by promoting this national scheme and raising awareness, we can play a small part in providing financial relief to our historically forgotten households.” 

Eligible homes 

You may be eligible to apply if your main home is: 

  • a residential park home  

  • on a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site 

  • part of a heat network without an electricity meter 

  • in social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply 

  • off the main electricity or gas grid 

  • in a care home or assisted living facility and you pay for some or all of your care (directly or through loss of pension or other benefits) 

  • in a separate domestic home within a non-domestic property (such as a farmhouse or a flat above a shop) 

You cannot apply if you have already received your £400 support automatically or live in purpose-built student accommodation, care home where all your fees are paid by the local council or NHS; or in a building where you are acting as a property guardian. 

If you are on a pre-payment meter you are eligible for the automatic EBSS payment and may not be entitled to alternative funding. Instead you will have received vouchers in the post from your energy supplier. If you have not received your vouchers between October 2022 and March 2023, contact your energy company directly.  

For more examples, further details and the application form, visit the Government website.