Missed the deadline? Your guide to the end of the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.
24th September 2024In a nutshell
As of 31st March 2024, the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) has officially concluded. With the application portal now closed, heat suppliers and operators can no longer apply for the EBDS or the additional heat network discount on incoming fuel bills. This leaves property managers with a heat network wondering: what happens if I missed the deadline to apply?
Contents
What is the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS)?
Can I still apply for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme?
Navigating the challenges beyond the EBDS
What is the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS)?
The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) was introduced on 1st April 2023 to support non-domestic energy consumers with rising costs. It succeeded the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) and aimed to provide discounts on gas and electricity bills for businesses, and voluntary and public sector organisations.
To ensure heat network consumers—many of whom are residential households—received comparable support, an additional discount was included specifically for domestic heat networks. Heat network suppliers and operators, such as landlords, housing associations, managing agents, local authorities, or developers, were required to apply for this discount through a government established digital portal.
As of 31st March 2024, this portal has closed.
Can I still apply for the Energy Bills Discount Scheme?
The short answer is, unfortunately, no.
While you can no longer apply for the discount, heat network residents still have the right to file a complaint if they are on an eligible heat network and the EBDS discount was not applied to their energy tariffs. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the Energy Ombudsman by residents for further investigation.
The Ombudsman may assess whether the heat network was eligible for the discount. If it was the Government might require retrospective calculation based on the heat network’s actual fuel bills or industry averages.
Calculating each resident’s share can be complex, as the efficiency of the network impacts the amount of heat reaches each property. Your metering and billing provider can assist in reviewing tariffs to ensure the correct discount is applied or issued as credit to customer accounts. Regardless of a heat network's eligibility for the additional discount, the operator or supplier had a duty to inform residents of the outcome. If the Ombudsman finds that residents were not properly notified, the operator or supplier may still be required to compensate residents for the inconvenience caused.
By addressing these steps promptly, you can manage residents' expectations and maintain trust while navigating this transition.
Fig. 1: Your metering & billing provider may be able to retrospectively calculate your resident's heat tariffs.
Navigating the challenges beyond the EBDS
With the end of the EBDS, rising energy costs remain a threat. Heat network operators and suppliers must manage this transition while maintaining service quality. To effectively navigate this period, it is crucial to focus on several key strategies.
Firstly, transparent communication with residents is essential. Clearly informing them about the conclusion of the EBDS and the resulting impact on their energy bills will help manage their expectations and build trust. Providing honest updates about how the end of the scheme affects their costs can prevent misunderstandings and maintain good relations with residents.
Accurate tariff calculations are also vital in the absence of EBDS discounts. Ensuring that energy bills reflect the true cost of energy is critical. Outlining what makes up a heat tariff can also help residents to better understand their heat network, bills, and energy usage.
Additionally, investing in the efficiency of heat networks can help counterbalance rising costs. By improving operational efficiency, you can reduce expenses and mitigate the financial pressures resulting from the end of the EBDS. This not only addresses immediate cost concerns but also supports broader sustainability goals, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally friendly heat network.
The end of the EBDS marks a pivotal change for all heat network operators and suppliers. By preparing adequately and collaborating with your metering & billing provider, you can navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring excellent service quality and future-proof compliance.