Knowing what support is available to you in the colder months of the year is incredibly important. That's why we are continuing to take part in the Warm Home Discount for our customers in the UK.
Give our Warm Home Discount FAQs a read to see what the scheme offers and whether you are eligible.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a scheme that requires all energy suppliers to deliver support to customers on low-income and are vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. It also encompasses those who are living in fuel poverty.
Is there any guidance for the Warm Home Discount?
Yes there is! For customers in England , Scotland and Wales, you can find all guidance from the energy regulator Ofgem by clicking here.
How long will the scheme run for?
The Warm Home Discount is in its 14th year of running! This time round, the scheme will run for a 12 month period from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025.
How is the scheme rolled out?
The Warm Home Discount or WHD for short, is split into three key elements. These are:
- Core Group 1 (CG1)
- Core Group 2 (CG2)
- Broader Group (for Scotland)
Are Gas only customers eligible for the Warm Home Discount?
Unfortunately, this scheme is only for our customers who have either their electricity or both electricity and gas supplied by us.
This means that if you are on our Fox Standard Gas or Fox Paper Standard Gas tariffs, you will not qualify for the support.
Who identifies eligible customers?
The Department for Work and Pensions will provide a list of eligible customers to us. We will then make the payments to customer's on their behalf.
As with other government schemes, we as a supplier do not make the decision as to who is or isn't eligible.
If I am eligible, how will I know a payment has been made?
A payment of £150 will appear on your energy bill. This will also be available to view in our customer portal via the OTM app or website.
Is there anyone I can contact regarding the Warm Home Discount?
Not right now, but the Warm Home Discount helpline will be opening from 14th October 2024 on 0800 030 9322.
Do I need to apply for the Warm Home Discount?
No, you will receive a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions if you are eligible for the scheme.
Please be careful of scams that ask you for personal information or bank details. We will NEVER ask for this information.
What is the rebate amount if I am in Core Group 1?
The rebate amount is £150.
How do I know if I am eligible for the scheme?
The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- A customer that is supplied by OTM with a dual fuel or electricity only tariff.
- The account holder's name must appear on the electricity bill.
- You must live in a domestic property for all or the majority of the year.
What is the rebate amount if I am in Core Group 2?
The rebate amount is £150.
How do I know if I am eligible for the scheme?
The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- A customer that is supplied by OTM with a dual fuel or electricity only tariff.
- The account holder's name must appear on the electricity bill.
- You must live in a domestic property for all or the majority of the year.
- The customer or their partner must meet the eligibility criteria for Core Group 2 -
i. Eligibility is based on high energy costs and whether you receive any of the following benefits:
ii. Government data is used to identify whether a low-income household is likely to have high energy costs
What are Industry Initiatives?
Industry Initiatives are supplier-funded programmes and partnerships which help those in, or at risk of, fuel poverty.
What is included under the Industry Initiatives?
The following activities are permitted under this part of the scheme:
- Providing energy advice and smart meter advice
- Paying organisations to refer customers who are in, or at risk of, fuel poverty to relevant assistance through the WHD.
- Providing benefit entitlement checks and/or assistance in claiming benefits
- Providing or funding the provisions such as energy efficiency measures, energy-efficient appliances, energy advice and installation of a boiler or central heating system.
Do OTM offer Industry Initiatives?
As we are a smaller energy supplier, we do not offer Industry Initiatives ourselves. We instead pass this onto one of our partners, Agility ECO.
What is the Broader Group?
The Broader group is for our customers based in Scotland.
Is there any differences between the Core Groups and the Broader Group?
Customers in Scotland will not have the £150 paid into their account automatically. Instead, you should apply here by filling out the form.
What information is needed?
To qualify for the £150 payment, you will need to meet at least one of the criteria listed above. You may be required to provide proof to make sure you are eligible.