The charity, Citizens Advice states that many South Hams residents could be eligible for money off their fuel bill this winter, but this needs to be acted upon quickly.

Statistics from The Department of Energy and Climate Change show that some areas of the South Hams experience fuel poverty at 16% or more, placing them in the highest 10% in England.

The deadline for numerous energy companies is at the end of the month so Citizens Advice urges people to act quickly. The Warm Home Discount scheme gives a one off credit to domestic electricity accounts at the end of the winter, reaching up to £140. As a rough guideline, residents could be eligible if they are receiving certain means tested benefits and tax credits or/and if they have a household income of less than £16,190 per year, are looking after children or have a disabled person in the household. However, having a pre-pay or pay as you go electricity meter doesn’t disqualify anyone from receiving the discount.

Citizens Advice South Hams is part of over 300 independent local charities across England and Wales, helping people resolve their money, legal and other problems through the advice and information they offer. The charity’s advice is free, confidential and independent with the aim of helping people overcome their issues.

The Project Leader for Brighter Futures at Citizens Advice South Hams, Lin Etherden says: “South Hams residents who think they may be eligible for the discount should contact their energy suppliers straight away as some suppliers have a September cut off for applying to the scheme. Even if they have received the discount in previous years they will need to apply again. If they have problems or their energy supplier turns them down and they think they are eligible they can contact us on [email protected] or ring 01803 869230, we may be able to secure the discount by helping the client change suppliers.”

People in receipt of Pension Credit automatically qualify for the Warm House Discount rebate, as long as they received the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit on July 9th 2017. If their name or their partner’s name was on their energy bill they don’t need to do anything and the DWP should contact them this autumn. Additionally, the discount will not effect Cold Weather or Winter Fuel Payments.