At a time where energy bills are incredibly volatile, the government have been implementing multiple schemes to support those in need, one being the Alternative Fuel Payment which is in place to support those who use different methods to heat their homes.
This FAQ should provide all of the information you need to find out what it is, if you are eligible, and how to receive it.
UPDATE: The Government portal for AFP applications is now open. If you believe your household is eligible for the AFP payment, you should complete the application form by clicking the link below.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic
Please note: Proof that you’ve spent £200 on alternative fuels to heat your home since September 2022 (for example, a delivery note or receipt) is required for the application.
What is the Alternative Fuel Payment?
The government are offering a one-off £200 payment for households who are not connected to the mains gas grid and use alternative fuels as your main form of heating.
This is on top of the £400 EBSS payments provided by your energy supplier.
Typical alternatives for heating your home include:
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Biomass
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Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)
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Heating Oil
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wood
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solid fuel
Payments will be made throughout February to all those eligible for the AFP.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
You do not need to do anything to receive the payment. This amount will be visible on your online account statement, as well as on your forthcoming energy bills.
Please wait until the end of February 2023 to receive your payment from us. Please do refrain from contacting us until this point.
A small number of households will need to apply through the AFP Alternative Fund website if not received directly from their supplier. This applies to households that use alternative fuels and:
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Do not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier.
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In an area mainly connected to the gas grid.
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In an area that is off the gas grid but where households are mostly electrically heated.
Applications will be accepted from late February 2023 and anyone who thinks they may be eligible should wait until then before taking any further action.
If you believe you should be eligible and have had no contact from us by the end of February, you should go to gov.uk to check what to do next. At that point, the government will open up an application portal.
These applications can be submitted through an extension to the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) however eligible households will need to apply for support under the schemes separately.
If, during February, we have informed you that you will receive this payment, and have not, please do get in touch with us.
UPDATE: BELOW IS THE LINK TO APPLY FOR THE ALTERNATIVE FUEL PAYMENT IF YOU BELIEVE YOU QUALIFY:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic
When will I receive the AFP payment?
Payments will begin being paid to eligible customers from the 6th of February. The exact date this will be paid depends on how you pay your bill.
If you pay by Direct Debit-
The Alternative Fuel Payment will be sent directly to your bank account. This amount may appear to have been added to your energy account and taken away. This is so we can provide proof that the transaction has been sent to your bank account.
If you pay on receipt of bill-
The Alternative Fuel Payment will be added to your energy account directly so it can be used on your next bill.
I already receive £66/67 from my supplier, am I eligible for this too?
If you use alternative fuels such as the ones listed above, you will receive both the EBSS and the AFP payments. To receive both, you must not be connected to the gas grid.
Will there be any more support offered?
The government are committed to continued monitoring of energy prices and if they see fit to consider further support to protect UK households, other interventions will be made.
What do I do if I am struggling to pay my bills?
We appreciate this is a difficult time. We have included some links below on further grants/support that may be available to you, as well as energy efficiency advice. You will only pay for the energy you use so if the usage at the property reduces the energy bills will too. We encourage you to review these links to possibly reduce your energy consumption and help to make your energy costs more manageable.
https://costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk/