Warm Home Discount Scheme Extended Through 2030
The Government has confirmed a significant extension to the Warm Home Discount programme, ensuring millions of vulnerable households will continue receiving vital financial support throughout the remainder of this decade.
Long-Term Support Amid Ongoing Cost Pressures
Eligible families across England and Wales will now receive the £150 Warm Home Discount rebate on their energy bills every winter until the 2030/31 season. This announcement comes against the backdrop of persistent cost-of-living challenges, with wholesale energy prices remaining elevated and placing continued pressure on household budgets.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasised the Government's commitment to addressing affordability concerns, stating: "Tackling the affordability crisis is the Government's number one priority. That is why we are today confirming to millions of eligible families across the country that they will receive the £150 Warm Home Discount every winter for the rest of the decade."
Expanded Eligibility and Automatic Payments
The scheme's continuation follows last year's expansion, which added approximately 2.7 million additional families to the programme. Currently, around six million households qualify for the support, representing a substantial increase in coverage compared to previous years.
Most eligible households will receive the discount automatically if they meet these criteria:
- Receive qualifying means-tested benefits
- Are supplied by an energy company with more than 1,000 customers
- Reside in England or Wales
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has advised households who believe they qualify but haven't received notification or the discount to contact the dedicated helpline at 0800 030 9322 before February 27.
Industry and Advocacy Responses
Energy industry representatives have welcomed the long-term certainty provided by the extension. Ned Hammond, deputy director of customer policy at Energy UK, commented: "It's very good news to see confirmation that the Warm Home Discount will be in place until the end of the decade which, particularly with the recent expansion, will provide continuing vital support with energy bills to millions of customers."
Matt Copeland, head of policy and public affairs at National Energy Action, noted the importance of the five-year continuation: "The extension of the Warm Home Discount is welcome news for low-income households and provides support that extends beyond this parliament." He further emphasised the need for continued energy advice services and support mechanisms for households not captured through standard benefits data matching.
Broader Energy Bill Context
The announcement coincides with ongoing discussions about energy affordability measures. Ofgem recently implemented a 0.2% increase to the price cap, citing funding requirements for nuclear power projects and discounts applied to some winter bills. The average annual energy bill for households on standard variable tariffs currently stands at £1,758 across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Separately, the Government has confirmed that £150 will be removed from average household bills starting in April through the discontinuation of the Energy Company Obligation (Eco) scheme, creating a complex landscape of changing support mechanisms.
Energy UK has indicated it looks forward to collaborating with the Government on potential scheme refinements, including improved targeting approaches and tiered support structures to ensure assistance reaches those most in need with appropriate levels of financial relief.
