Energy bill discount scheme 2022: Who in London is eligible for new £400 fuel rebate & how to receive it?

Millions of households in London are to receive non-repayable discounts on their energy bills this winter, as part of a huge support package from the government.

The payment comes amid the highly publicised cost of living crisis, which has gripped the nation and left many people financially struggling

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said the discount was “part of our £37 billion of help for households, including eight million of the most vulnerable households receiving £1,200 of direct support to help with the cost of living”.

What is the energy bill discount scheme?

The energy bill scheme is part of the government’s £37 million cost of living support package, which has been designed to aid those most in need as rising prices continue to soar.

Winter is a time where prices rise, as people turn on the heating when temperatures plummet, with households to get money off their bills, with the discount made in 6 instalments to help families throughout the winter period.

How much do people get?

People eligible for the payment are to get £400, which is non-repayable.

It’s been reported that bills could exceed £500 a month for energy, with this payment set to ease the burden that has been placed on so many.

How will I receive the money?

There are many ways in which people can receive the money, with the government stating that at no point will credit or debit card details be required.

One way is Direct Debit customers, who will receive the discount automatically as a deduction to the monthly Direct Debit amount collected.

Pre-payment metre customers will be provided with discount vouchers, which they will receive in the first week of each month.

These will be issued via text, email or post.

When they have been received, customers will then need to redeem these at their usual top-up point, which could be found at locations such as Post Offices.

Standard credit customers, along with payment card customers will see the discount automatically applied as a credit to their accounts in the first week of each month. The credit would appear as if the customer had made a payment.

Those who use smart prepayment metres will get the discount credit directly to their metres in the first week of each month of delivery.

Who in London is eligible for the discount?

Some 29 million households are eligible for the discount. Only around 1 percent will not receive the payment, such as those living in park homes who have ‘no direct relationship’ with energy providers.

This will total £400 over a six month period.

When will people in London receive the energy bill discount?

People in London who are eligible to receive the £400 discount will be paid over six months with payments starting from October 2022.

What has the government said?

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “People across the country are understandably worried about the global rise in energy costs, and the pressure this is placing on everyday bills.

“While no government can control global gas prices, we have a responsibility to step in where we can and this significant £400 discount on energy bills we’re providing will go some way to help millions of families over the colder months.”