Government energy payments – for alternative household fuel, apply now!

There are currently two separate Government energy payment schemes for Somerset residents, but the deadline to apply is fast approaching.

If you heat your homes with an alternative fuel, as many do in our rural communities, then you could qualify for Government financial assistance.

The first scheme is for those who heat their homes with an alternative fuel such as wood pellets, LPG or oil, as many do in rural areas like Mendip South. Those householders could be due a £200 one-off payment from the government, but they must apply by 31 May.

The payment is aimed at people who do not use electricity or mains gas for domestic heating and who have not received a payment from their electricity supplier.

Householders must supply an invoice or receipts to show that they have purchased at least £200 of alternative fuels since June 2022.

The second scheme is for households that have not received a £400 discount on their energy bills from an electricity supplier (in six instalments from Oct 2022 to March 2023). They may be entitled to a £400 one -off payment from the government.

The scheme is aimed at those who don’t pay directly to an electricity company for the energy they use in their home, for example residents of care homes, park home sites and people living above commercial property that does not have a separate meter for the domestic part.

To find out more about both schemes and to make an application, click here.

For anyone who may qualify for this support but does not have access to the internet, they can make an application to the government by telephone on 0808 175 3287, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

All applications must be made to the government and not to Somerset Council.