Energy suppliers to offer pensioners rebate under govt deal - 16/07/2010

A new scheme launched by the government in conjunction with the country's leading energy suppliers will see vulnerable pensioners receive a rebate on their energy bills.

Under the one-off deal, around 250,000 elderly people will get £80 off their next electricity bill starting from this month. The energy suppliers participating in the scheme are British Gas, EDF Energy, E.On, Scottish Power, npower and Scottish and Southern Energy.

The deal is open to households where at least one resident is aged 70 or over and is responsible for the electricity account where they live and do not already benefit from a discounted tariff.

The conditions of the scheme also stipulate that beneficiaries of the rebate must receive the guaranteed element of pension credit and not the savings credit element.

All those who are eligible to receive their rebate automatically will be notified by the Department for Work and Pensions. Householders who are not eligible for an automatic rebate will have to call an official helpline to confirm their entitlement.

Pensions minister Steve Webb said: "This cash will help thousands of pensioners get help with their fuel bills who might otherwise be struggling to make ends meet."

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