Here’s the latest update on what’s happening
As you may know, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) and Qualifying Financially Disadvantaged Customer (QFDC) discount will both be ending on 31 March 2023.
The Government has announced a new 12-month scheme to continue supporting businesses with their energy costs. The Energy Bill Discount Scheme will support eligible businesses between 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024.
Working together to deliver for you
Suppliers are currently working with the Government on the details of the new scheme and how this will be implemented.
Whilst the scheme has a start date of 1 April 2023, the final details are still to be confirmed by the Government, and the scheme is not due to be approved in Parliament until mid-April.
You can read the current government guidance in full here – this is subject to change.
We’ve highlighted some key messages you may want to share with your customers. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Who is eligible?
The Government has published details of eligibility on their website – these could be subject to change.
What do I need to do?
If you're eligible for the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme, your supplier will apply a discount to their bill automatically.
Support under the new scheme has reduced
Not everyone will be eligible for support under the Energy Bill Discount Scheme. Some businesses who are currently receiving an EBRS discount, could be ineligible or receive a lower discount under the new EBDS scheme, this is because:
The Government Supported Price (the price you have to pay to be eligible for a discount) has increased, meaning less businesses will qualify.
The amount of discount available for eligible customers has decreased.
You can find details of the proposed Government Support Price and maximum discount on the Government website.
Your first bill in April 2023
Because the scheme is not due for approval by Parliament until mid-April, if you are eligible, and you receive a bill before the scheme is approved, it will not contain a discount. Please rest assured that your discount will be applied when the scheme has been approved.
Enhanced Government Support
The Government has also announced enhanced support for Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETII’s) and Qualifying Heat Suppliers (QHS).
The Government have published a list of sectors eligible for the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries scheme. We’ll share more information on Qualifying Heat Suppliers when it is available.
Eligible customers will need to apply to the Government for enhanced support. The Government’s online application portal is expected to open mid-April, customers will be able to access this from the Government website. Information to support customers with their application can be found on your energy bill.
If accepted, the Government will issue the customer with a certificate to provide to their energy supplier. We’ll update you, and our website, with more information on the Government portal and how to provide your supplier with certificates when this is available.
What happens next?
Suppliers are writing to customers over the next couple of weeks to tell them what we know so far.
If your plan is coming to an end, to contact us to see what contract options are available on your next renewal
Once the Government portal is available for ETII’s and QHS applications, your supplier will write to you again to confirm the application process.
We’ll also keep our website up to date as more information is confirmed
We're here to help
We understand how challenging the energy market is right now so we’re here to support customers in any way we can:
You can keep up to date with the latest news on the energy market here.
If you're struggling and need help with paying their business energy bills, you can get contact your supplier to see what options they may have for you.
Get in touch to see what we can do for your next energy renewals
0151 459 3388 | info@smart-energy.uk
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