A MAJOR UK energy supplier has extended a “no-brainer” initiative offering millions of customers half price electricity.
British Gas’ “Peak Save” scheme was due to close on March 31 but has now been extended until September 8.
AlamyBritish Gas has extended its PeakSave scheme for smart meter customers[/caption]
The scheme offers qualifying customers half price electricity between 11am and 4pm every Sunday.
British Gas first launched the scheme in December 2022 but has extended it multiple times.
The energy firm said over 500,000 customers had already signed up to the scheme, saving a combined £7million between them.
You can sign up to the scheme on British Gas’ website by entering your full name, email address and customer reference number.
It will then get in touch if your application is successful and credit back any money saved after taking part each week.
Make sure you keep an eye out for the credit which will show on your bill or online statement as “PeakSave Credit”.
It’s worth noting, you can only sign up to the scheme if you have a smart meter that can send half-hourly meter readings.
Consumer champion website MoneySavingExpert has previoulsy branded the PeakSave Scheme a “no-brainer” for those eligible.
Other help to pay for energy bills
If you’re not with British Gas, Ovo Energy has a similar scheme which rewards customers for reducing their energy consumption during peak times.
Power Move offers customers up to £10 a month if they cut their usage between 6-9pm, Monday to Friday.
For example, by using the dishwasher in the morning or waiting until after 9pm in the evening to catch up on TV.
You might be able to get free home insulation or have other energy-saving measures installed in your property through the Energy Company Obligation.
The scheme is designed to help low-income households on certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Housing Benefit.
The Government previously told The Sun households eligible for the scheme save around £600 to £700 on their bills each year after having energy-saving measures put in place.
You can find out more about the scheme on the Government’s website.
You might also be able to get help via the Household Support Fund which was recently extended by six months until the end of September.
The fund has been shared between councils in England who then allocate their portion to those in need.
That means what you can get depends on where you live and can be a bit of a postcode lottery.
However, the help is usually dished out to those on a low income or benefits.
You should contact your local council to see what help is available.
You can find your nearest council by using the Government’s council locator tool.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Check if you’re eligible for benefits too as they can help you cover the cost of energy bills on an ongoing basis.
They often open up other added discounts and freebies as well including free NHS prescriptions and TV licences.
Some energy firms will offer you grants if you’re struggling to pay for energy bills too.
For example, Scottish Power’s Hardship Fund offers some households up to £750 if they can’t make payments.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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