Warm Home discounts for West Sussex

The Warm Home Discount is a new annual rebate payment of £120 that will be paid to low income and vulnerable households. It replaces social tariffs and voluntary agreements previously offered by the major energy suppliers.

West Sussex County Council Deputy Leader Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for Communities, said: “As energy prices continue to soar, many of the poorest households are being left with no choice but to turn their heating down or even off, resulting in sometimes severe health risks.

“The county council recently launched its Age With Confidence initiative, which aims to help people prepare for older age and to know where to go for information and advice. One problem that many elderly residents can face is having to try and find the money to heat their home. If residents are eligible for the Warm Home Discount, I would encourage them to apply for it.”

The Warm Home Discount has a core group of eligible households and a broader group. The core group consists of households in receipt of the guarantee element of the Pension Credit (on the qualifying date of September 11, 2011) who will automatically receive the discount on their electricity bill.

Each energy supplier has their own set of eligibility criteria, broadly defined by Ofgem, and can decide which groups of households qualify under the broader group.

For further advice other than from the energy supplier, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Anyone worried about paying their heating bills should contact their energy supplier or call the Home Heat helpline for impartial advice on 0800 33 66 99.