As nearly a million people wait to receive help with their energy bills amid the cost of living crisis, the UK Government has confirmed that the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding is currently in its pilot phase. According to reports, it will be accepting live applications in some pilot local authority areas ahead of a nationwide rollout next week.
As the roll-out of the live application process begins, Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart MP said this is helping to “refine the end-to-end user journey before full scheme launch”. He also said that the online application portal, and accompanying contact centre helpline, will be open to all eligible households by next Monday, February 27.
The £400 payment portal was due to open last month, but following a pilot launch in a limited number of local council areas it was decided to delay the nationwide rollout until “significant complexities” had been resolved. “In addition, the Government must always ensure consumers are protected, public money is well spent, including robust verification and anti-fraud checks, and that local authorities are suitably prepared to deliver the support.