Energy bills: Deadline imminent for £200 free cash available to millions
Millions of Britons have until the end of May to claim £200
PA
Millions of Britons have just weeks left to claim £200 from the Government to help cover energy bills.
Around two million people across the United Kingdom who live off-grid can access the fund before the May 31 deadline.
The Government introduced the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme in its energy bills support package.
Britons who use sources of energy instead of mains gas can claim the extra money if they have not yet received it.
Around two million people across the United Kingdom who live off-grid can access the fund before the May 31 deadline
PAAlternative sources of energy include heating oil, biomass and liquefied petroleum gas.
The Government extended its deadline to the end of May in an attempt to help Britons struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills.
Eligible households started receiving the £200 payment from the start of May provided they were paying by direct debit.
Those footing the bill by standard credit should have seen the cash added to their energy account.
Millions of other people have also been receiving help from the Government to cover energy bills
gbnewsHowever, customers living in park homes, static houseboats and other premises with no direct energy supplier will need to apply to receive the payment.
Britons can apply via the UK Government website or call 0808 175 3287.
Millions of other people have also been receiving help from the Government to cover energy bills.
A £900 fund was opened up to help people on income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, income support, pension credit, tax credits and universal credit.
Energy bills have continued to soar in recent months as Russia continues with its invasion of Ukraine
PAEligible Britons have received the first instalment of £301 already.
Energy bills are expected to remain above the £2,000 for at least another year amid Russia’s continued onslaught against Ukraine.
Cornwall Insight conducted analysis which revealed the price cap on bills will remain above £2,000 until at least the first quarter of 2024.
The leading analyst said on Tuesday that it now expects the price cap will fall to £2,062 from July, followed by £2,098 in October and £2,162 at the star of next year.
Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has predicted energy bills will start to return to normal levels in just six weeks time
PAAll three forecasts are below the current level of £3,280 but far higher than where the price cap stood before the gas prices started surging.
The cap was set at a mere £1,138 in mid-April 2021.
Despite an anticipated drop, the House of Commons has confirmed there is a noticeable lag between wholesale gas prices and energy bills.
But Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has predicted energy bills will start to return to normal levels in just six weeks time.