House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Energy Schemes Update
19 December 2022 · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Proposed by Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Graham Stuart updates on support schemes for households affected by high energy costs.
- The government will publish details of eligibility criteria for Alternative Funding in January.
- A separate Energy Bills Support Scheme for Northern Ireland will commence with 600 payments per household.
Issue summary
Graham Stuart is updating on support schemes for households affected by high energy costs, including alternative funding for those without a direct electricity account and a bespoke scheme for Northern Ireland.
Action requested
The government will publish details of the eligibility criteria and open an online application portal in January for Alternative Funding. Payments of £400 will be made to eligible households this winter. In Northern Ireland, a separate Energy Bills Support Scheme with a £600 payment per household will commence from January through electricity suppliers.
Key facts
- The government's scheme provides a £400 discount on electricity bills for Great Britain households.
- The Alternative Funding process benefits those without a direct relationship with an energy supplier, including park home and caravan residents, tenants in certain types of rented homes, farmers living off-grid, and more.
- Northern Ireland will receive a bespoke Energy Bills Support Scheme with £600 payments per household (£400 for the Energy Bill Support Scheme and £200 for the Alternative Fuel Payment).
- Payments to eligible households without direct electricity accounts in Great Britain will start this winter after applying through an online portal or helpline.
- Northern Ireland energy suppliers are expected to suspend debt recovery until January.