Millions to get £150 off energy bills for a further five years

The Warm Home Discount of £150 will continue for five more years, and 345,000 Scottish low-income households will automatically receive the rebate next winter.

The government has confirmed the Warm Home Discount of £150 will continue for a further five years. Energy companies pay for and apply the discount to eligible customers' bills. The policy change also brings Scotland into line with England and Wales by automatically enrolling more low-income households. Previously, eligible Scottish households had to apply to receive the rebate. Key details: - The Warm Home Discount provides a £150 rebate to eligible households and is paid by energy suppliers. - Households should receive the discount automatically if their energy supplier has more than 1,000 customers. - The government said 345,000 Scottish low-income households will be automatically enrolled next winter; previously they had to apply. - A small number of households were asked to provide extra information and, if they received a letter advising them to call the helpline, the government said they must do so by 27 February to secure the discount for the current winter. - The Warm Home Discount is separate from a separate £150 average saving on energy bills announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the November Budget. - The government has consulted on changing how the discount cost is recovered by suppliers, proposing to move it from the standing charge to the unit rate, and said it will provide an update "in due course". Summary: The announcement keeps the £150 Warm Home Discount in place and extends automatic eligibility for a significant number of Scottish low-income households. Officials say some households need to confirm details by 27 February to receive the payment for this winter, and the government has said it will update on proposed billing changes in due course.