Enhanced options for alternative fuel payments to assist more households with their energy expenses.

The government has announced an expansion of the scheme, meaning more households using heating oil, LPG, biomass, and other alternative fuels will receive £200 in energy bill support.

To provide assistance to those in need across the UK, Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps has extended the timeframe for applicants to submit proof of alternative fuel purchases by an additional three months, now until June 2022 instead of September 2022. This ensures that households who bought fuel in bulk before winter can receive the £200 support they deserve.

This extension means that those eligible for the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment can now apply with receipts dated as far back as June 2022 — a three-month extension — until May 2023. This change acknowledges that many households bought fuel ahead of winter price increases, and it’s important they are not penalized.

Only a limited number of households using alternative fuels as their primary heating source need to apply for bill support. Most alternative fuel users will automatically receive their payments. Earlier this year, Mr. Shapps also increased the number of receipts that can be submitted for claiming the Alternative Fuel Payment from 2 to 10.

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Grant Shapps stated:

We have already intervened and covered half of a typical household’s energy bill, but we want to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

That’s why we’re taking additional steps today so that households using heating oil, LPG, biomass, and other alternatives can submit receipts dating back to June 2022, acknowledging that many have purchased ahead of winter.

Amanda Solloway, Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability, remarked:

We will consistently support consumers and families affected by the repercussions of Putin’s unlawful war on Ukraine.

Today, we have further extended our support to those using heating oil, LPG, biomass, and other alternatives, ensuring that everyone needing assistance with their bills can access it.

While most will receive this automatically, for those who need to apply – if you haven’t done so yet, I strongly encourage you to submit your application for the £200 support you are entitled to.

This initiative is part of a broader range of ongoing schemes designed to assist households and businesses with energy costs during this challenging time. The government encourages all eligible customers to apply and make the most of these opportunities:

• the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment scheme is issuing top-ups starting at £750 for organizations using large quantities of kerosene heating oil, including farms, hotels, charities, and public buildings like schools and hospitals. Organizations have until 28 April to apply for this support via GOV.UK. The scheme is also providing £150 payments to organizations using alternative fuels. A few eligible organizations will need to apply for this additional support by 28 April if they haven’t automatically received payments through an electricity supplier.
• the Energy Bills Support Scheme has delivered £400 payments to assist households with winter energy bills. While most will have received this automatically, those on traditional prepayment meters must redeem support through vouchers from their electricity supplier at either a Post Office or PayPoint outlet, as outlined on the voucher. Vouchers that are lost, damaged, or expired can be replaced — customers should reach out to their supplier in these cases. All vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.
• the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding provides equivalent £400 payments to households without a domestic electricity supply who were not eligible for automatic support through the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Eligible applicants include residents of partially or wholly self-funded care homes and park homes. These households must submit their applications either through GOV.UK or the dedicated contact centre helpline by 31 May 2023.