E.ON Next offers thousands of customers 50% off energy – see if you’re eligible | Personal Finance | Finance

E.ON Next has launched its ‘Winter Support’ scheme offering existing customers on low incomes up to 50 percent off the rate of the new Ofgem energy price cap until next spring.

From October 1 – when the price cap drops –  the Winter Affordability Support Scheme will run until March 31, 2024.

The energy supplier says “tens of thousands” of people will be able to benefit from its discount, which could save a typical household £480 over six months.

Under the scheme, eligible customers with no energy debt will be offered 25 percent off a standard variable tariff from the time of signing up until next year. Meanwhile, eligible customers with energy debt will be offered 50 percent off over the same time period.

The new scheme comes as households are set to see their energy unit prices fall by an average of seven from Sunday as a result of the latest Ofgem cap. 

The price cap will drop from £2,074 to £1,923 for a dual fuel household paying by direct debit. This price will be set until December 31.

Despite the drop in price, reports show that overall energy bills are likely to be higher this winter compared to last year for many consumers as the government has not announced another £400 energy bills grant.

Who is eligible for E.ON Next Winter Support Scheme?

The provider explained it will provide more than £80 million in support over the colder months of the year to those deemed to be its “most vulnerable” customers.

Those eligible can get a discount on standard variable tariff rates either by 25 percent or 50 percent, depending on their circumstances.

Those with prior debt can get 50 percent off their bill. E.ON Next will waive any existing debt at the end of the scheme if people keep up with the payments during the six months.

The 25 percent discount will apply to any customers on a low income (or with medical needs) who are not in any debt.

To be eligible for these discounts, Britons must be an existing customer with the supplier and meet the following criteria:

• Live in a household earning under £19,000 a year (or £31,000 if you have medical needs)
• Either have an existing monthly direct debit, or set a new one up when joining the scheme
• Either have an existing smart meter, or agree to have one installed in your property

E.ON Next explained the discount will apply from the date a customer signs up for the scheme up until its end.

The unit prices will then be fixed in at the discounted rate until the end of March 2024, regardless of the next change to the price cap.

It should be noted that if Britons fail to keep up with payments, they will be moved back onto its standard variable tariff rate – the energy price cap.

Eligible customers will be contacted “directly” about how the scheme works this week either by email, letter, phone call or text. 

If someone thinks they’re eligible for the scheme but have not been contacted, they can get in touch with E.ON on 0808 501 5200.