IT may still be August and still officially summer, but people are being warned that winter is coming.

And they need to check if they qualify for the UK Government’s Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Powys County Council’s anti-poverty champion Cllr Joy Jones (non-aligned – Newtown East) is advising people to find out as soon as possible.

This is because the possible £140 discount on your energy bills is done on a first come first served basis.

Cllr Jones said: “There are so many people living in fuel poverty and they need to be aware of the help that is out there for them.”

“This scheme is a one-off credit of up to £140 that can be put on your account.

“The main energy providers are now available for customers to apply for the warm home discount and to see if you’re eligible you can contact  (Citizen’s Advice) Energy Advisers on (01686) 617 667.”

The scheme is available to residents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The UK Government says that the scheme for 2019/2020 will start on October 14.

They said on their website: “You could get £140 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

“The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March.

“You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity.”

They say there are a couple of ways to qualify for the payment:

There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme:

  • you receive a guarantee credit element of the pension credit – if so you will receive a letter between October and December telling you how to make a claim
  • you are on a low income and meet the energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme