Millions of households across Britain are being urged to check that their name is on their electricity bill by 23 August if they are to receive a £150 discount on their energy costs automatically
this winter.
About six million households are expected to qualify for the Warm Home Discount, including around 250,000 households in Scotland that will receive the payment automatically for the first time.
The scheme was expanded last year to include more families receiving means-tested benefits. The government said almost one million additional families with children received the £150 discount during the previous winter as a result.
In England and Wales, households receiving benefits including Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Universal Credit are eligible.
Energy suppliers will use customer records held on 23 August to determine who receives the discount. Households that have recently moved home are being advised to check that the electricity account is registered in the name of the person receiving the relevant benefits.
Customers using pre-payment meters should also make sure their account is registered in their name.
The government says the discount is part of wider efforts to reduce pressure on household finances. From 1 October, VAT on domestic electricity bills will be removed, a move expected to reduce annual bills by about £45 based on the current Ofgem price cap.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said families would be concerned about the cost of heating their homes this winter.
"Our focus is on giving them breathing space, as we continue to work to bring down bills," she said.
She also urged people to tell friends and relatives who may qualify to check their energy accounts before the August deadline.
The Warm Home Discount is currently scheduled to continue until 2030-31. The government says its wider Warm Homes Plan will also aim to reduce household energy consumption and help tackle fuel poverty.
The £150 payment is applied as a reduction to eligible households' energy bills rather than being paid directly into bank accounts.
