Households facing challenges with their energy expenses are encouraged to verify their eligibility for cost of living support worth up to £500. Act on Energy, an energy advice charity, is providing this assistance to residents in Stratford-on-Avon who may also qualify for aid related to heating system repairs, replacements, or improvements.
To qualify for the support, households must have a gross income below £31,000 and have a vulnerable individual residing with them. Eligible vulnerabilities include unmanageable debt, long-term health conditions, disabilities, receipt of benefits-related free school meals, pregnancy, or having young children under the age of five.
Act on Energy may consider other vulnerabilities as well, and individuals uncertain about their eligibility should contact the organization for clarification. When applying for energy assistance, households must not exceed specified savings limits. Families with children under 18 can receive up to £500, while singles or couples may receive £300. The financial aid is disbursed directly to the energy provider or as a voucher for prepayment customers.
For those applying for “Physical Intervention,” the savings limit is up to £6,000 per adult receiving state pension. Applications can be submitted online through the Act on Energy website or by calling 0800 988 2881. This initiative comes amidst upcoming increases in energy bills for the winter season.
The price cap is set to rise by 2% starting in October, resulting in a higher cost for gas and electricity usage. Ofgem projects that the average dual fuel household paying via direct debit will witness an annual bill increase from £1,720 to £1,755. Similarly, those using pre-payment meters will see their yearly expenses rise from £1,672 to £1,707, while individuals paying upon receipt of the bill will experience an increase from £1,855 to £1,890.
Despite the price cap adjustments, there is no maximum limit on energy costs. The cap regulates the unit rates for gas and electricity as well as the standing charges, which are fixed daily fees for network connectivity. The price cap undergoes revisions every three months in January, April, July, and October.
