Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding
Applications to the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) have opened, bringing more, much-needed help to many Melton residents.
EBSS Alternative Funding means that households who didn’t receive the original energy bills support, such as those without their own electricity meter or without a direct relationship to an electricity supplier, can receive a £400 support payment.
If you don’t heat your home with mains gas and use an alternative fuel which could include oil, biomass and bottled gas, you might also be able to get an additional £200 payment, known as the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP).
Residents can apply and see the full eligibility criteria for the EBSS Alternative Funding and AFP via the gov.uk website until Wednesday 31st May 2023. A Dedicated helpline is also available for residents who need support to complete an application or cannot apply online. The freephone number, 0808 175 3287 will be open from 8.00am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Once an application has been made, The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) will make a series of checks. Once those checks have been completed, the details are then given a final check by Melton Borough Council to ensure that the resident lives at the address they have provided. If the application is approved, a one-off payment will be made directly to the resident with no need to repay. It may take up 30 working days to process an application so eligible residents are encouraged to apply as soon as they can. The first payments are expected to be made from the 17th April 2023.