The Government’s Warm Home Discount will be well received by vulnerable homes in the winter, says Boiler Guide.
The Warm Home Discount, confirmed as part of the recent Spending Review, will require energy companies by law to give a discount on energy bills to more of their most vulnerable customers.
Boiler Guide, the UK’s leading online resource for homeowners and heating engineers regarding all boiler-related issues, is backing the new mandatory scheme.
It will assist up to two million homes per year and will help the most vulnerable with their energy bills.
The plan is for older, poorer pensioners to receive up to £130 off their electricity bills. Other groups such as low income families and those with long term illnesses and disabilities may also receive this discount.
The new mandatory scheme will replace the previous voluntary agreement with energy suppliers to provide better focused help to vulnerable consumers. Over the four years of the scheme to 2015, the Warm Home Discount will be worth up to £1.1billion.
A consultation is now underway and is focusing on the detailed structure of the support scheme, including proposals for who should be eligible for assistance and how they will be targeted.
The official closing date is January 14, 2011.
Commenting on the scheme, Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Changes, said: “Warm Home Discount does exactly what it says on the tin, in providing money off vulnerable households’ energy bills to help them afford their central heating. We’re requiring energy companies to do this by law, but first we need to get the detail right. Warm Home Discount is a practical way to provide tangible financial help on energy bills to more of the most vulnerable.”
Immediate help for vulnerable homes this winter include:
· Boiler, Central Heating and Insulation Grants
· Boiler Scrappage Scheme
· Warm Front Scheme
For information and advice on how to heat your home please visit, www.boilerguide.co.uk