Orkney residents encouraged to apply for £400 alternative energy payment

Folk in Orkney who did not receive the automatic energy support payments from the UK Government are being encouraged to see if they qualify for a £400 alternative.

The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) is providing support of £400 for energy bills for households across the UK who are not linked with a domestic electricity supplier.

The scheme is now open to all eligible households until 31 May 2023.

Those eligible to receive the support include:

• care home residents and others in care facilities/sheltered accommodation (wholly or partly self-funded);
• park home residents, houseboats and caravans that can provide proof of address;
• social and private tenants who pay for energy through a landlord on a commercial supply;
• homes on a heat network/private wire;
• off-grid homes;
• farmhouses used for wholly domestic purposes.

If eligible, people will need to fill out a short online form via the GOV.UK website.

Anyone without online access, can apply via a contact centre on 08081753287 where a representative will guide folk through the application process.

If successful, details will be shared with local authorities, including Orkney Islands Council, who will deliver the one-off, non-repayable support. The payment will be made directly into people’s bank accounts in a single instalment.

Further information can be found https://www.gov.uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic