Energy giant with 5million customers giving out automatic £150 discount NOW – check if you’ll get it
AN energy giant is giving thousands of its five million customers an extra £150 this winter to help with bills.
Scottish Power is giving eligible customers extra cash through the Warm Home Discount to help lower bills this winter.
The eligibility requirements for the Warm Home Discount are the same as last year.
There are two Warm Home Discount schemes – one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland.
Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do.
The government should now have issued letters to households that qualify for the scheme.
You should expect to receive the £150 discount off your bills anytime between now and the end of March.
To qualify, you need to claim either the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or a different qualifying benefit from the list below:
- Income support
- Income based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income related employment and support allowance
- Housing benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credits
- Pension Credit savings credit
Where someone claims a qualifying benefit, the government will assess their energy costs based on the type, age and size of property.
You may not be considered eligible for the Warm Home Discount if you live in a more energy-efficient property for instance, even if you receive a qualifying benefit.
But this rule doesn’t apply to recipients of the guarantee credit portion of Pension Credit.
Do I need to apply for the discount?
People living in England and Wales don’t need to apply for the Warm Home Discount as of this year.
You get the payment automatically if your electricity supplier is part of the scheme and you qualify.
Households should have received a letter in the post confirming their eligibility.
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.
How do I secure the discount in Scotland?
The Scottish Government has not changed their Warm Home Discount scheme to bring it in line with England and Wales’ application-free scheme.
Households in Scotland will have to follow the rules set out in the legacy scheme.
This means there is still a “core group” that’ll receive an automatic payment and a “broader group” who’ll have to apply for the scheme directly with their energy provider.
How will I receive the discount from Scottish Power?
If you pay by direct debit or on receipt of your bill the Warm Home Discount will be added to your electricity account as a credit.
If you have a traditional prepayment meter, Scottish Power will send you a voucher you can use to top up your meter and apply the £150 credit.
If you’ve got a smart prepayment meter, Scottish Power will send the discount directly to your meter as a credit.