Britons are being urged to “act soon” to claim an energy bill discount from the Government as the deadline to do so looms.

Under the Department for Work and Pensions’s (DWP) Warm Home Discount Scheme, over three million households across Great Britain most at risk of fuel poverty are entitled to support.

While many customers automatically receive this discount through their suppliers, some households have been sent a letter asking to confirm their details. Subsequently. Experts at Bionic are urging Britons to “act soon” to ensure they receive the support they’re entitled to.

What is the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

Les Roberts, the business comparison expert at Bionic, said: “With the Warm Home Discount Scheme, you are entitled to get £150 off your electricity bill for Winter 2023 to 2024.

“Rather than this money being directly paid to you, it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between October 2023 and March 31, 2024.

“While the majority of eligible customers automatically get this discount through their suppliers, some customers in England and Wales will have been sent a letter asking to confirm their details.”

People can confirm their details by calling the Government’s Warm Home Discount helpline at 0800 030 9322, however, Mr Roberts noted: “Customers are warned that the deadline for this is on February 29, 2024.”

Similarly, if customers have not received a letter and think they might be eligible, they must contact the Warm Home Discount Helpline before February 29, 2024.

Mr Roberts added: “Eligible customers may be able to get their discount on their gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. For this, it’s best to contact your supplier to find out.

“It’s worth noting the Warm Home Discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.”

Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

Customers living in England and Wales will qualify for the Warm Home Discount if they either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.

Similarly, Mr Roberts added: “Households in Scotland are eligible if they get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and meet their energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

“Households who use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter can still qualify for the discount. Simply contact your electricity supplier and they will inform you how you’ll get the discount if you’re eligible.”

Which energy suppliers are part of the Warm Home Discount scheme?

The following suppliers are part of the scheme:

• 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK)
• Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy
• Boost
• British Gas
• Bulb Energy – see Octopus Energy
• Co-op Energy – see Octopus Energy
• E – also known as E (Gas and Electricity)
• Ecotricity
• E.ON Next
• EDF
• Good Energy
• London Power
• Octopus Energy
• Outfox the Market
• OVO
• Rebel Energy
• Sainsbury’s Energy
• Scottish Gas – see British Gas
• ScottishPower
• Shell Energy Retail
• So Energy
• Tomato Energy
• TruEnergy
• Utilita
• Utility Warehouse.

If a person’s electricity supplier stops trading, they may still be eligible for the discount.

A statement on GOV.UK reads: “Ofgem will appoint a new supplier for you. Check with your new supplier if you’re eligible for the discount.”