Households across Britain are being urged to check that their name is correctly listed on their energy account before a deadline this weekend, or risk missing out on £150 off their bills this winter.
Energy suppliers use customer records as they stand on Sunday 23 August to determine who qualifies for the Warm Home Discount, a government scheme that reduces bills for people on means-tested benefits such as universal credit.
The timing is significant because many households will not be thinking about winter heating costs during the summer months, yet the snapshot taken this weekend will shape who automatically receives support later in the year.
Millions of consumers are due to learn the level of winter energy prices later this month when the regulator Ofgem announces its quarterly price cap for October to December.
To help those most at risk of struggling with bills, energy companies distribute the £150 discount to around six million households each winter. Those in receipt of housing benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or universal credit are among those who qualify.
Eligible households should receive the discount automatically, provided their supplier has more than 1,000 customers. However, this only happens if the customer's name is on the bill and they are receiving one of the qualifying benefits.
People may not be named on their electricity bill for a number of reasons, most commonly after moving house, when the account may still be registered in a previous occupant's name or left unregistered.
Customers who use pre-payment meters, topping up with a key or card, are also being told to check that their household account is registered correctly in their name, as this affects their automatic eligibility for the rebate.
Ensuring the correct name is on the account can also help suppliers provide better support more broadly, such as offering repayment plans to households who have built up energy debt.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill."
The government has also confirmed a change affecting Scotland, where 345,000 low-income households will now receive the rebate automatically this winter. This brings Scotland's system in line with the approach already used in England and Wales.
Previously, eligible households in Scotland had to actively apply for the scheme rather than receiving it automatically, meaning some people may not have claimed the support they were entitled to.
With energy costs remaining a significant concern for many households, consumer groups and the government are encouraging people to act quickly to confirm their details are correct before the qualifying date passes.
A simple phone call to an energy supplier to update the name on an account, or to confirm that details are accurate, could be enough to secure the discount automatically when it is applied later in the year.
Those unsure whether they qualify are being advised to check with their supplier directly, particularly if they have moved home recently, share a property with others, or are unsure whether their benefit status has been correctly recorded.
With the winter price cap announcement due imminently, households are being reminded that support such as the Warm Home Discount can make a meaningful difference to bills at a time when energy costs are expected to rise again.
