As autumn and winter arrive, the rising cost of energy is set to have a drastic impact on many UK households.
With the cost-of-living crisis and energy bill price increases continuing to cause uncertainty among tenants across the UK, many are seeking to find ways to reduce the cost of their bills.
Earlier this year, the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) was introduced by the government to try and help households with the increasing costs.
This will include a £400 non-repayable discount to households who qualify and will be available throughout winter this year and 2023.
Here at Kings Group, we reveal everything tenants need to know about the rebate and how tenants can claim it back. Landlords who make tenants aware of this rebate can help them save money during this challenging time.
How does the energy rebate work?
Households across England, Scotland, and Wales with a domestic electricity connection qualify to get the discount.
There may be instances where circumstances change such as the supplier going out of business, the electricity supplier, or tariff changes, but the household will still qualify for the energy rebate.
In order to get the discount, the energy supplier does not need to be contacted, nor does an application need to be submitted. If the tenant qualifies, the discount will be applied for six months starting in October.
By providing households with a £66 discount in October and November as well as a £67 discount in December, January February, and March, an energy discount worth £400 will be provided.
Ways the energy discount is credited
How the discount is applied will vary depending on how the household pays for energy. In case further information needs to be provided, it’s important that your contacts their supplier for more information ahead of the start date, or if you offer a bills-included package, this is something you or your agent must do on their behalf.
Households using a traditional prepayment meter will receive vouchers that can be redeemed. Those using a smart prepayment meter will have a discount that directly gets credited to the meter at the beginning of the month.
Tenants paying using a direct debit card will automatically receive the payment through a refund to the bank account or a reduction of the usual direct debit total.
Meanwhile, tenants who pay using a standard credit or payment card will also receive a discount that is automatically applied.
The importance of energy efficient homes
The introduction of the Energy Bill Support Scheme reiterates the level of help tenants need to keep on top of the rising costs.
Although the six-month scheme will offer support during the winter, landlords who plan ahead by making their properties more energy efficient can help tenants feel less of the strain even after the scheme expires.
By improving the energy efficiency of properties nationwide hundreds of pounds can be saved annually. Experts reveal that upgrading from a G-grade boiler can save up to £300 on energy bills alone.
Energy-efficient homes not only help tenants live in a more eco-friendly way, but also help to keep energy bills down. Landlords who get upgrade work done around the home can benefit from higher demand and help put their tenants at ease.
Landlords must make their tenants aware of the upcoming energy rebate and stay up to date with upcoming government initiatives.
At Kings Group, we can help you to remain compliant and get the most from your tenancies.
For more information on how we can assist you on your letting journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today.
We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much you could be charging in rent.
