Energy supplier with 2million customers handing out £150 energy bill reduction – will you get the help?

A MAJOR energy supplier is giving thousands of its two million customers an extra £150 to cover energy bills this winter.

Shell Energy is dishing out the Warm Home Discount to households between now and March next year.

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There is a scheme for households in England and Wales and a separate one for those in Scotland.

Anyone eligible in England or Wales does not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do.

The Government should have already sent letters to households who qualify for the Warm Home Discount.

To qualify, you need to be receiving either the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or one of the following:

• Housing Benefit
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• the ‘Savings Credit’ part of Pension Credit
• Universal Credit

If you claim one of the above benefits, the Government will assess your energy costs based on the type, age and size of your property.

That means you might not be considered eligible for the WHD if you live in a more energy-efficient home.

However, if you receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, you will qualify regardless.

Do I need to apply for the discount?

People living in England and Wales don’t need to apply for the Warm Home Discount this year.

You get the payment automatically if your electricity supplier is part of the scheme and you qualify.

Energy regulator Ofgem says some people may be asked to contact a Government helpline to confirm their eligibility.

If you have not received a letter by the middle of January 2024, but you think you are eligible for a rebate, contact the WHD helpline on 0800 030 9322.

Visit the government website for more information.

Households in Scotland don’t need to apply if they get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.

Otherwise, you will have to apply via your supplier, in this case Shell.

How will I receive the discount from Shell?

You will receive the £150 bill discount from Shell if you have been a customer with them since August 13.

If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of bills, you will see the discount applied as a credit before March 31 next year.

Those with a smart prepayment meter will also see the discount appear as a credit on their meter.

Those with traditional prepayment meters will be sent a £150 voucher to redeem at a PayPoint top-up location.

How else to save money on bills

You can start by cutting down your usage, including buying items that mean you don’t have to put the heating on.

For example, try purchasing an energy-saving gadget like a draught excluder or heated throw.

Meanwhile, you might even be able to get free money to help cover the cost of bills, via the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The latest round of funding is worth £842million and has been distributed among local authorities.

That means what you are entitled to varies depending on where you live, although in most cases help is offered to those on benefits or a low income.

You should contact your local council to see what help is available. You can find your local authority by using the Government’s online locator tool.

A number of energy firms are also paying customers to cut down their usage through the Demand Flexibility Service (DFS).

The service encourages households to reduce their energy when there is high demand on the network.

So far, 37 suppliers have signed up to the scheme, so it’s likely yours will be. Get in touch with your provider for more information.

You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk