Don't miss the Alternative Fuel Payment deadline
The government Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme is drawing to a close at the end of the month, giving eligible groups less that two weeks to apply for the support that they are entitled to. Originally due to close on 28th April 2023, the government extended its deadline to 31st May in an attempt to help the households heated and powered by alternative means such as heating oil or LPG.
Eligible residents include households off the mains gas grid. This includes those on the grid but with no gas connection.
Who is eligible for the Alternative Fuel Payment?
Whilst most households will have automatically received the £200 payment through their electricity supplier, some haven’t. Those without a direct relationship with an electricity supplier must apply for the grant, and must live in one of the following:
- Off the mains electricity or gas grid
- In a residential park home
- In social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply
- Part of a business property, such as a farm or a flat above a shop
- On a boat on a permanent residential mooring
- On a permanent Gypsy or Traveller site
These households are now eligible to apply for a single payment of £200. Residents do not need to be directly responsible for paying their energy bills to apply, and you can apply on behalf of a friend or family member to ensure they receive their support and don’t miss out.
However, some households have fallen through the cracks, despite having an electricity supplier and using alternative fuels such as heating oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). That’s due to the fact that there is no central database of homes that use alternative fuels. In order to identify the households eligible for the payment, the government provided a list to electricity suppliers which was drawn up from a combination of Meter Point Administration Numbers, used to identify electricity supply points, along with census data and data on the number of households without a gas meter point. Some households were missed off this list, and as such will need to apply for the payment.
How do I apply?
You will need to provide your bank details through the secure government portal in order to receive the payment, along with an email address, your phone number if you have one, and proof of purchase of alternative fuels such as heating oil or LPG since 1st June 2022 (a delivery note or invoice from Northern Energy for instance).
To apply, visit the GOV.UK website.
Those customers who do not have online access can call 0808 175 3943, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, to submit their application.
A word of caution. Please do beware of scams – the government has advised that it will never contact you directly to ask for your bank details, or provide a link for you to enter these. If you are ever unsure, call the secure number above and ask for advice.