Alternative Fuel Payment Rejected

Sue444 · 22 April 2023 at 1:12PM

We live in an area with no mains gas and heat by oil. British Gas (our electricity supplier) refused to pay the £200 saying they had not been told by the Gov to do this and so I had to apply online. A few days after applying online I got an email saying "Your application for the Alternative Fuels Payment has not been successful. This is because our records show the £200 payment will be made to your address automatically. It will be added as credit to your electricity bill". This was on 31 March. So I phoned Gov (on same day - 31 March) and queried this stating that BG had categorically refused to pay the £200. The AFP helpdesk team said they would have to escalate this to BEIS to look into further. However, nothing heard further despite two calls to AFP helpdesk (who did look into the progress of my case to check what the position was). However, all they could say is that it has been escalated and that I just need to wait. Just wondering if anyone else has had their case escalated and finally received the funds.

Mstty · 22 April 2023 at 1:14PM

In the mean time have you raised a complaint with British gas, best to cover all angles.

Sue444 · 22 April 2023 at 1:54PM

Thanks Mstty. I have had long messenger conversations with BG and they categorically state that they will not pay me. I did raise it as a complaint but not heard anything further. Guess I will just have to wait and see what BEIS say.

Reed_Richards · 22 April 2023 at 8:32PM

Presumably you have neighbours who are in the same boat?

Sue444 · 23 April 2023 at 8:35AM

Thanks Reed. Yep, some are (i.e. have to apply) but most have received their payments through elec suppliers. It's frustrating as we fill all the criteria (i.e. heat by oil and pay elec by DD) but for some reason we haven't got it. Will check further with those neighbours who had to apply and see where they are at now.

mandarin6 · 23 April 2023 at 9:31AM

Have you read all the posts on the LPG, heating oil etc board regarding AF payments.? You will find others in the same situation.

Sue444 · 23 April 2023 at 12:32PM

Thanks mandarin6. I have searched on forum for AFP payment issues etc and read through quite a few, but couldn't find anything exactly the same as me i.e. escalated to BEIS. I have also since spoken to a couple of neighbours - one next door who has had the same issue as me (and has now given up) and one two doors down who although didn't get payment through elec supplier, did receive from government online. Will look at posts as you suggest. Thanks!