DWP Urges Six Million Households To Act Before Sunday Deadline
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging six million households to ensure their name appears on their electricity bill by Sunday, 24 August.
This simple check could secure a £150 automatic discount on winter energy bills under the expanded Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Why Your Name Matters
- An extra 2.7 million households are now eligible—bringing the total to over six million—including 900,000 more families with children.
- To receive the discount automatically, the bill payer must be named on the account by the critical deadline of 24 August.
- Last winter, this method worked for 96% of eligible households, making it the most efficient way to receive the £150 benefit.
Note for Prepayment Meter Users
If you’re on a prepayment meter, make sure the account tied to your key or card shows your name—this ensures the credit is applied correctly.
Quick Summary Table
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Total eligible households | Over 6 million (England and Wales) |
| Increase from last year | +2.7 million households, including 900,000 with children |
| Discount amount | £150 credit applied to energy bill between Oct–Mar |
| Important deadline | Must be named on electricity bill by 24 August |
| Automatic uptake rate | 96% last winter |
| Prepayment meter requirement | Account must be registered in your name |
How to Prepare
- Check your electricity bill to ensure the bill payer is listed correctly—especially if you recently moved or switched providers.
- Prepayment customers must verify that their account is under their name, not just the billing address.
- Don’t wait: Suppliers will use the 24 August snapshot to issue the automatic discounts in winter.
- If you’re automatically missed, your supplier may still issue the discount later—otherwise, contact them directly or use gov.uk for next steps.
Why It Matters
This £150 credit could significantly ease winter energy costs for vulnerable households. Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, emphasized the importance of this support:
“We … want to make sure as many eligible households as possible get £150 off their energy bill … putting more money in their pockets.”
She also encouraged spreading the word among family and friends to ensure high uptake.
Millions could be £150 richer this winter just by confirming their name is on their electricity account before the 24 August deadline.
With eligibility expanded significantly this year, verifying this detail has never been more important—or easier. Don’t leave money on the table: check now and spread the word.
