| Island residents are being urged to make sure they’re not missing out on government money to help with their energy bills. Time is running out on three energy support schemes which are set to close in the coming weeks. Are you a care home resident or living in a park home? The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding may be for you. This scheme closes on 31 May. It’s for households who haven’t received their £400 energy bill support and includes certain park home residents and partially or wholly self-funded care home residents. You should have received the payment from your electricity company automatically. If you haven’t, you can apply by going to this page on the government website. Meanwhile, a £200 Alternative Fuels Payment (AFP) is available for homes that: are in England, Scotland or Wales; use alternative fuels for most of their heating, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel. This includes people who use wood such as logs, waste wood or pellets (biomass); are connected to the electricity grid. You should have received an automatic payment for this. If you haven’t, please go to this web page for information and to apply before 31 May. A council officer will be at Pan Together, Downside Community Centre from 9am to 3pm on Wednesday 24 May to offer help and support to anyone applying for these grants. If you are on a traditional prepayment meter you should have been sent monthly vouchers from the Energy Bills Support Scheme from October 2022 to March 2023. Many vouchers haven’t been redeemed. You only have until 30 June to redeem your vouchers to get help with your energy bills. Important information: Vouchers expire after 90 days but you can ask your supplier to reissue them if lost, not received or expired. The supplier sends information with each voucher advising whether they should be taken to a Post Office or PayPoint. Some clients may have received their discount via a Special Action Message. Any issues, including problems with a supplier’s helpline can be sent to energy.bills.rebate@beis.gov.uk. Read more on the government website. |