Households facing challenges with their energy bills are advised to verify if they qualify for cost of living assistance worth up to £500. Act on Energy, an energy advice charity, is providing this support to households in Stratford-on-Avon, including help for heating system repairs, replacements, or improvements.
To be eligible for this assistance, households must have a gross income below £31,000 and have a vulnerable resident, such as someone with significant debt, a long-term health condition, a disability, receiving benefits-related free school meals, pregnant individuals, or children under five.
Act on Energy also considers other vulnerabilities for acceptance. Individuals can contact Act on Energy to confirm their eligibility for support. The financial aid, which can reach up to £500 for families with children and £300 for singles or couples, is directly paid to the energy supplier or provided as a voucher for prepayment customers.
For those applying for “Physical Intervention,” the savings limit is up to £6,000 per adult receiving a state pension, including funeral plans. Applications can be made online through the Act on Energy website or by calling 0800 988 2881. This support initiative coincides with upcoming winter energy bill increases, with the price cap set to rise by 2% in October.
Although the price cap for gas and electricity unit rates and standing charges is limited, there is no cap on the total energy expenses. Standing charges, which are daily fees for network connection, remain consistent regardless of energy consumption. The price cap adjustments occur quarterly in January, April, July, and October.