Alternative Fuel Payment: Grant Shapps announces change of rules following appearance on Martin Lewis show

Grant Shapps has announced a change in the rules when applying for an Alternative Fuel Payment, following an appearance on the Martin Lewis Money Show

Energy secretary Grant Shapps appeared on the Martin Lewis Money Show on Tuesday, March 7. The minister took live questions from the audience on energy bills as the show focussed on upcoming changes to gas and electric bills from April.

During the programme, Grant Shapps was asked about how many receipts can be submitted through the Alternative Fuel Payment portal. After promising to look up the number after the programme, Shapps confirmed the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero was upping the number of receipts that can be submitted from two to 10.

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Most households will automatically get a £200 Alternative Fuels Payment if they use liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil or solid fuel for their heating. Some households, however, have to submit receipts via an online portal in order to claim the money.

Energy bills are set to increase by around £500 despite Ofgem lowering the price cap. However, it is expected that chancellor Jeremy Hunt will extend the current energy price guarantee of £2,500 to July.

Alternative Fuel Payment criteria 

To be eligible for an Alternative Fuel Payment, your main home must be:

  • In a residential park home
  • On a boat on a permanent residential mooring
  • On a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site
  • Part of a heat network without an electricity meter
  • In social or private rented accommodation which has a business energy connection or a communal electricity supply
  • Off the mains electricity or gas grid
  • Part of a business property (such as a farm or a flat above a shop)

Anyone who thinks they are eligible for the £200 payment and has not received it automatically can apply on the government website.

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