All the main energy supply companies and some of the smaller suppliers are obligated to provide this assistance and SSE has recently opened its scheme for 2014/15.
Whilst the eligibility criteria may vary from supplier to supplier, customers in receipt of either the guaranteed or the savings element of pension credit should automatically qualify following a data sharing exercise between participating energy suppliers and the Department for Work and Pensions.
All other eligible households need to apply for the assistance and under the SSE scheme the following households may be eligible:
1) Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit;
2) Chronically sick and/or disabled, in receipt of disability related benefits; or
3) Low income families on income related benefits.
Steve says; "There is always a lot of concern about energy prices, which for many, are the second biggest outgoing on the family home after paying the mortgage so any help is welcome. I hope those eligible will apply and if they need assistance doing so will not hesitate to contact me or drop into my shop at 9 Stockbridge Road in Winchester."
More information ...
To apply for SSE's scheme please call SSE's Priority Services team on 0800 300 111 or email priority.services@sse.
Steve Brine can be contacted via 01962 791110.