What are energy grants?
For those struggling to pay for their energy bills, the UK Government has put in place energy grants to help. There are a range of benefits and grants that might be available to you, but first you need to see if you are eligible.
As you can imagine, each energy grant requires you to meet certain criteria, and the amount you could receive could vary greatly depending on your current situation.
There are various types of home energy grants, and they come in the form of both efficiency grants and schemes, and grants to help you pay your bills. They are as follows:
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National home energy efficiency grants and schemes
Energy Company Obligation
ECO is the main scheme for making energy efficient improvements to households, such as installing loft insulation and heating enhancements in low income, vulnerable households. In some instances, it may be possible to get help with replacing an inefficient boiler.
How do I get it?
ECO is not a government grant, but one large energy suppliers support to households installing energy improvements.
Below is a list of ECO suppliers. To find out what they have to offer, you can visit their websites.
ECO suppliers:
- British Gas
- Coop energy
- E.ON
- EDF Energy
- First Utility
- Flow
- NPower
- OVO Energy
- SSE
- Scottish Power
- Utility Warehouse
- Utilita
Renewable Heat Incentive
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a government scheme that supports renewable modes of heating like wood boilers and heat pumps. If all requirements are met, you can be paid for every unit of renewable heat you produce.
How do I apply?
In order to apply you must have installed a system that meets the requirements of the scheme, otherwise you will not be eligible. Ask your installer to make sure your system is eligible before they get to work, otherwise it would have all been for nothing.
Smart Export Guarantee
If you have methods of renewable electricity generation in your homes, such as solar panels on your roof, you might be entitled to get money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). With the SEG scheme, you could be paid for every unit of renewable electricity you put back into the National Grid.
Get your certification
If you are installing methods of generating renewable electricity in your home, make sure your installer and equipment have both been certified to the correct standards in order to qualify for this particular grant. Speak to an energy supplier providing and SVG tariff to see that deals you can get.
National grants to help you pay your energy bills
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is a payment between £100 and £300 to help towards your winter heating bills. You may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment grant if you were born on or before the 5th august and you receive the State Pension or another social security benefit.
You’ll usually receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you are eligible, but if you think you qualify and do not receive it, you will need to make a claim.
How do I apply?
If you have not had the Winter Fuel Payment before and believe you are eligible to receive it, you can call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount grant is a one off discount off your winter electricity bill of £140, between September and March. If you are on a low income or claim the Guarantee Credit element of pension credit and your energy supplier is part of the scheme, you may be eligible for this energy grant.
How do I apply?
How you apply for the Warm Home Discount depends on how you qualify for it. You will need to call the Warm Home Discount team to receive the guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit letter giving you instructions on how to enter your details. Call them on 0800 731 0214.
Cold Weather Payment
With the Cold Weather Payment, you could receive a payment of £25 if the average temperature in your area drops below zero for seven consecutive days. You may be eligible if you claim certain means-tested benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
How do I apply?
You should receive this automatically if you are eligible. If not, contact Jobcentre Plus and tell them about your situation.
