Households in the UK not connected to the mains gas grid often faced unique challenges with heating costs. The Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) was a government scheme designed to provide financial relief to these households. This guide clarifies the AFP scheme, outlining its purpose, eligibility, and how payments were made.
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The AFP was a one-off £200 payment from the UK government, introduced to support households that used alternative fuels for heating. This payment was part of broader government initiatives to help with energy costs during the winter of 2022-2023. It was a non-repayable discount, meaning recipients did not need to pay it back.
What was the alternative fuel payment?
The AFP was a single, non-repayable £200 payment. It aimed to provide financial assistance to households in Great Britain and Northern Ireland that were not connected to the mains gas grid and relied on alternative fuels for their heating needs.
Purpose of the scheme
The primary purpose of the £200 AFP was to help offset the cost of alternative fuels for heating. This support was intended to be equivalent to the energy bill discounts received by households using mains gas during the same period.
Key dates for the scheme
The AFP scheme was active during the winter of 2022-2023. Most eligible households received their £200 payment automatically via their electricity supplier during February and March 2023. For those who needed to apply, the government's online portal for applications closed on 31 May 2023.
Eligibility for the AFP was primarily determined by a household's heating method and its connection status to the gas grid.
Who was eligible?
Households were eligible for the AFP if their property was not connected to the mains gas grid and they used alternative fuels as their main heating source. This included properties in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Even if a household received the broader Energy Bills Support Scheme, they could still be eligible for the AFP.
Types of alternative fuels covered
The scheme covered a range of alternative fuels. These included heating oil (kerosene), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biomass (such as wood pellets or logs), coal, and other solid fuels.
Properties not connected to the mains gas grid
A key criterion was that the property was not connected to the mains gas grid. This typically meant the home did not have a gas meter. Some households located in areas with a gas grid but without an active connection to it, and who used alternative fuels, were also eligible.
The method of payment for the AFP varied depending on how households paid for their electricity.
Automatic payments via electricity suppliers
Most eligible households received the £200 payment automatically through their electricity supplier. This typically occurred during February and March 2023.
- For credit meter customers (paying by Direct Debit, cash, or cheque): The payment appeared as a £200 credit on their electricity account, usually reflected on their March bill.
- For smart prepayment meter customers: The payment was credited directly to their electricity meter.
- For traditional prepayment meter customers: A £200 voucher was sent by their electricity supplier.
Direct applications for missed payments
A small number of households needed to apply for the payment if they did not receive it automatically. This included those without a direct relationship with an electricity supplier or those living in a gas-connected area but using alternative fuels as their main heating source. The government operated an online portal for these applications, which closed on 31 May 2023.
Northern Ireland payments
Households in Northern Ireland also received the £200 payment, often through similar mechanisms to those in Great Britain. Most households in Northern Ireland received their payment automatically via their electricity supplier during February 2023. An application portal was available for those who did not receive it automatically, which also closed on 31 May 2023.
The AFP scheme is now closed, and the application window has passed.
Checking your eligibility
If you used alternative fuels as your main heating source and your home was not connected to the mains gas grid during the winter of 2022-2023, you were likely eligible. It was important to confirm this against the scheme's criteria at the time.
The application portal (closed 31 May 2023)
For those who did not receive an automatic payment, an online application portal was available. This portal required bank details, an email address, a phone number, and proof of alternative fuel purchases made since 1 June 2022. This portal is now closed, having ceased operations on 31 May 2023.
Required information for applications
When the application portal was open, applicants needed to provide bank details, an email address, a phone number, and proof of alternative fuel purchases (such as delivery notes or invoices) made since 1 June 2022.
Common reasons for missed payments
Reasons for not receiving the payment could have included not being identified as eligible by an electricity supplier, not having a direct relationship with an electricity supplier, or living in an area with a gas grid but still using alternative fuels without the supplier's knowledge.
While the AFP scheme has concluded, support for managing energy costs remains available.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, independent advice on a wide range of issues, including government energy support schemes and managing energy bills. They can offer guidance on what help might have been available and how to address past payment issues.
Government guidance
Official government websites, such as GOV.UK, were the primary source for detailed guidance on the AFP scheme. These resources provided information for both households and electricity suppliers on the scheme's implementation.
Managing future heating costs
For ongoing support with heating costs, especially for those using alternative fuels, it is advisable to regularly check for current government schemes and local council initiatives. Citizens Advice can also provide information on available grants and benefits to help with energy bills.
Fuse Energy is committed to providing clear, accessible information on energy topics, helping households understand their options and manage their energy costs effectively. We offer transparent pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support. Switching to Fuse Energy is quick and easy, allowing you to take control of your energy bills. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and discover a simpler way to manage your home's energy. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy fair and sustainable here.
