Electricity warm home discount

spookybuffy

The only problem i have filling out the form is my electric number im key i don't have a bill with a number. hoping putting my gas number will help them find me on there system. forms easy to fill in sep for that. worth a go. im glad to hear some people auto get it.

STV_2

Hi all,
I phoned Scottish Power this morning on 0845 2700 700 and asked about the Warm home discount and how I would apply, I was told that if I have a qualifying benefit the DWP would contact me direct and that there was no need to apply with Scottish Power, I said that I heard that it was a first come first serve basis and that Eon had a dedicated on-line application and the adviser said that as of last Saturday (8th October) the staff had been getting calls about the warm home discount and they had no information on it.
I then called the DWP who said this wasn't the case as far as they were concerned and that it was up to the individual to apply to there supplier.
I then called back Scottish Power again and told them what the DWP had said and the Adviser again said the same information as above and then added that I should phone Scottish Powers Dept of Responsibility on 0141 568 6182 and this Adviser told me the exact same information that the DWP will contact qualified claimants direct and that Scottish Power had a Core of qualifying persons which are over 60's but she was unsure what the second tier qualifications would be but whoever qualifies will get direct credits between December and March.
It honestly sounds to me as if Scottish Power have been caught out with this Government announcement as the information is vague at best, and the first you will know that you have missed any discount is when you either don't get any credit or the DWP don't contact you and if it is first come first serve then you are too late and have missed out all because of lack or wrong information by Scottish Power.

STV

Scottish_Power

Hi All,

The Warm Home Discount is available to two different groups, the first group which is defined by the govrnment will be for customers on various benefits we will be passed the information by DWP and have no say in who is paid the discount for this group.

The second group (broader group) we are still in the process of confirming the criteria for those who qualify, however it will not be something customers can apply for. We hope to be able to confirm the qulaifiers for this by 1 November 2011.

Kind regards

Graeme @ ScottishPower

macman

Just curious as to how the DWP know who is an individual's utility supplier in order to supply a list of those in the 'automatic' category?

Joyful

It seems that the situation has changed to create more confusion for customers rather than less. The Core group of customers are those on Guaranteed Pension Credit. These customers need do nothing and if they have moved supplier after 11.9.2011 it will be the previous supplier that will pay them the £120. This was a cut off date given by the Government.

It looks like from the Scottish Power reps info that there will be differences in what Energy companies call their Broader Groups. The Government has also decided that low income is £16,190 so if you are in this bracket and use 10% of income on Energy you may still qualify for help even if not on other benefits such as CTC. At least this is from British Gas's criteria.

Hopefully all companies will have their criteria set out soon but do remember you may save by checking your tariff is the best one for you also.

Brummie71

The Core Group - those in receipt of the guarantee element of Pension Credit - will get the payment automatically though the DWP liaising with the fuel suppliers. Broader group members won't.

I'm intrigued by Scottish Power's comment that customers won't need to apply to receive the rebate under the Broad Group terms - they do with every other fuel supplier taking part. Scottish Power haven't yet published their terms as agreed with OFGEM, although they did withdraw their social tariff back in April, I believe. Other suppliers have published their terms and should be accepting applications. If you aren't with BG, then don't delay.

My understanding is that British Gas have said that there will be no cap on the number of applicants who can receive the credit under the Broad Group terms, but other suppliers have indicated a likely limit - SSE apparently believe that they will close their doors at 5000.

Worth pointing out that this is not related to Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payments - they are operated entirely by government. The Warm Homes Discount is delivered by the utilities as a requirement from government.

macman

And the government seems to have absolved itself from any responsibility for a rational or fair allocation of the resources. It'll effectively be a lottery determined in part by your choice of supplier.

AMG762

Scottish Power Website says you will need to apply if receiving one of the qualifying benefits...

http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/service-and-standards/warm-home-discount.aspx

It also says click the 'Apply' button below. But currently there isnt one?

And the bottom line says:
Availability for the warm home discount is limited so it is important you apply early?

Scottish_Power

Morning all,

The way we had intially planned to operate with the broader group has changed and this will be something customers can apply for if they meet the criteria on the website. However, you will not be able to apply until 1 November 2011 which is why the link is not yet on the website.

Kind regards

Graeme @ ScottishPower

kit

Glad I don't get my utilities from Scottish Power! They dont seem to have any idea what they are doing!
I just filled in a form online and got a letter a week later confirming I will get the money credited to my key meter before March next year. Amazingly easy