The Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) was a one-off £200 payment from the UK government, designed to help households in Great Britain and Northern Ireland with heating fuel costs during winter 2022-2023. This support specifically targeted homes not connected to the main gas grid that used alternative fuels for heating.
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The AFP was a government initiative providing financial assistance to households facing rising energy bills, particularly those relying on off-grid heating methods. It was a non-repayable discount from the government, part of a broader effort to support households with the cost of living during the specified period.
Purpose of the scheme
The primary aim of the AFP was to offer a one-off £200 payment to eligible households to help offset the increased cost of alternative heating fuels during the winter of 2022-2023. This support was intended to ease the financial burden on homes that were not able to benefit from other energy support schemes targeting mains gas users.
Targeted support for off-grid homes
The payment was specifically targeted at households that were not connected to the main gas grid and therefore used alternative fuels for heating. This distinction was crucial, as these households often faced different cost pressures compared to those using mains gas. The scheme recognised that off-grid homes, often in rural areas, rely on fuels like heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or biomass, which can have volatile prices.
Eligibility for the AFP was determined by a household's connection to the gas grid and the type of heating fuel used. It was a one-off payment, meaning it was not an ongoing scheme.
Who qualified for the payment
Households in Great Britain and Northern Ireland were eligible if they were not connected to the main gas grid and used alternative fuels as their primary source of heating. This included a wide range of properties, from individual homes to those in park homes or on private estates.
Types of alternative fuels included
The scheme covered various alternative fuels, including heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biomass, and solid fuels. If a household primarily used one of these fuels for heating and was off the gas grid, they would have qualified for the payment.
Most eligible households received the AFP automatically, but a government portal was also available for those who needed to apply.
Automatic payments via electricity suppliers
Most eligible households in Great Britain received the £200 payment automatically as a credit on their electricity bill. Electricity suppliers were responsible for administering these payments to their customers who met the criteria. This process aimed to ensure that the majority of off-grid homes received the support without needing to take action.
Applying through the government portal
For those who did not receive the payment automatically, a government portal was available. This portal allowed eligible households to apply directly for the AFP. The application portal for the AFP closed on 31 May 2023.
While the AFP is no longer available, there are still ways to manage energy costs and seek support if you're struggling.
Current government support schemes
The UK government continues to offer various forms of energy bill support. These can include schemes like the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which provides a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible low-income households, or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which helps with the cost of installing low-carbon heating systems. The Priority Services Register (PSR) also offers extra support for people in vulnerable circumstances, providing services like priority support in emergencies and advance notice of planned power cuts. Citizens Advice1 provides comprehensive information on grants and benefits available to help with energy bills. It's advisable to check the latest guidance from the UK Government and Ofgem for current support options.
How Fuse Energy can help
Fuse Energy does not offer alternative fuels or administer government payment schemes like the AFP. However, we provide clear pricing and smart tools within our app to help customers manage their electricity and gas usage and costs. Our app offers transparency and control, allowing you to understand your energy consumption. Fuse also offers 24/7 human customer support to help customers with their energy accounts and understanding their bills.
Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.
