UniHomes, a Sheffield-based platform which works with partner lettings across the UK and provides utility packages, shocked thousands of students last month when it increased its signed monthly energy bills contract.
UniHomes said in an email to their customers that the rise is due to unprecedented rises in wholesale energy costs. The Ofgem price cap is predicted to significantly increase from October, affecting household energy bills right across the UK.
As a result, the UK government launched an Energy Bill Support Scheme to combat the rise of energy costs.
- Households to start receiving £400 off their energy bills from October, with the discount made in 6 installments to help families throughout the winter period
- This £400 off energy bills is part of the government’s £37 billion of help for households, including 8 million of the most vulnerable households receiving £1,200 of direct support to help with the cost of living.
- Government confirms important details of the Energy Bills Support Scheme, which will provide energy bill discounts to 29 million households across Great Britain.
What does this mean for student tenants of Unihomes?
- Households will see a discount of £66 applied to their energy bills in October and November, rising to £67 each month from December through to March 2023. The non-repayable discount will be provided on a monthly basis regardless of whether consumers pay monthly, quarterly or have an associated payment card.
- If your package with UniHomes includes energy, the £400 grant will be automatically applied via a deduction in your monthly direct debit or a refund. In line with the government guidance, the grant will be issued monthly as £66 per household in October and November, and £67 from December to March. The grant will be split equally between your group, for example, a group of 4 will see a government grant deduction in their October payment of £16.50 per person.
- The £400 government grant is a measure introduced by the government that every house in the UK will benefit from. From October, all energy suppliers will get money from the government to reduce household energy bills by £400, spread over six months.
In an email sent to all UniHomes customers, the agency said: “As a company, we always aim to ensure our customers come first. We have worked hard to shield you from the rising cost of energy by absorbing increased costs over recent months. “
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “We know that people are struggling with rising energy prices which is why we have taken action with support over the winter months to help ease the pressure on household budgets.
We know there are tough times ahead and we will continue to do everything in our power to help people.”