The Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) was a one-off government grant designed to help UK households with their energy costs during winter 2022-23. If you are wondering whether this payment is still available in 2024, the direct answer is no; the scheme has closed, and the application deadline has passed.
Understanding government support for heating costs can be complex, especially for off-grid homes. Fuse Energy aims to provide clear information to help you navigate these schemes and manage your energy effectively. Click here to see how Fuse Energy can help you with transparent pricing and smart energy management.
The AFP was part of a broader government initiative to help households manage rising energy bills. It specifically targeted those not connected to the mains gas grid.
Purpose and amount of the payment
The AFP was a one-off payment of £200. Its purpose was to provide financial relief to eligible households facing high heating costs during the winter of 2022-23.
Who was the payment for?
The payment was primarily for domestic households in Great Britain and Northern Ireland that were not connected to the mains gas grid and used alternative fuels as their main form of heating. This included homes relying on fuels such as heating oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biomass, and solid fuels.
Eligibility for the AFP was specific to the 2022-23 winter period and focused on the type of heating fuel used and connection to the gas grid.
Off-grid households and eligible fuels
To be eligible, a household needed to be a domestic property in Great Britain or Northern Ireland and not connected to the mains gas network. The scheme covered various alternative fuels, including heating oil, LPG, biomass, and solid fuels.
Automatic payments versus application process
Most eligible households received the £200 payment automatically. This was typically applied as a credit to their electricity bills from February 2023. However, a minority of households needed to apply for the support if they did not receive it automatically, for example, if they did not have a direct relationship with an electricity supplier or lived in an area mainly connected to the gas grid but used alternative fuels.
The method of payment varied depending on how a household received their electricity and whether they were automatically identified as eligible.
Automatic payments via electricity suppliers
For the majority of eligible households, the £200 AFP was paid automatically through their electricity supplier. This often appeared as a credit on their electricity bill. For those with smart prepayment meters, the payment was loaded directly onto their meter. Traditional prepayment meter users received a digital code or voucher.
Applying for the payment: deadlines and process
Households that were eligible but did not receive the payment automatically had to apply through a government portal. This portal allowed individuals to submit an application, providing details such as bank account information and proof of alternative fuel purchases. The application portal for the 2022-23 scheme closed on 16 May 2023. Therefore, it is no longer possible to apply for this payment.
Understanding the current status of the AFP is crucial, as many households still seek support for heating costs.
Current status of the scheme
The AFP was a one-off scheme specifically for the winter of 2022-23. It is not an ongoing annual payment, and the application window for it has now closed. This means the AFP is not available in 2024 or for future winters.
Exploring other government energy support
While the AFP is no longer available, other government energy support schemes may exist for eligible households. It is always advisable to check official government websites like GOV.UK and resources like Citizens Advice for up-to-date information on available grants and benefits. These organisations can provide details on schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, and other local support initiatives that might be available.
For instance, the Warm Home Discount provides a £150 discount off your electricity bill or credit to your prepayment meter. The scheme opens again in October 2026 for winter 2026 to 2027, with payment by 31 March 2027. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one-off payment of between £100 and £300 to help with heating, for people of State Pension age. For winter 2026 to 2027, you are eligible if born before 28 June 1960.
In March 2026, the UK Government announced £53 million in funding to support low-income households reliant on heating oil, distributed through local authorities in England via the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Scotland also has an Emergency Heating Oil Scheme providing £300 of support for those struggling with heating oil and LPG costs.
For households not connected to the mains gas grid, managing heating costs effectively requires a long-term approach.
Long-term strategies for energy efficiency
Improving energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce heating costs in the long run. This can include upgrading insulation in walls, lofts, and floors, installing more efficient heating systems like heat pumps, or exploring renewable energy options such as solar thermal. For heat pumps, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants towards the cost of installing low-carbon heating systems, with the MCS-certified installer applying for the grant on the homeowner's behalf.
Finding ongoing support and resources
If you are struggling with heating costs, various organisations offer advice and potential support. Citizens Advice provides comprehensive guidance on energy problems and available grants. Local councils may also have specific programmes or hardship funds to assist vulnerable households.
Managing your home's energy can be simpler with the right tools and information. Fuse Energy offers clear pricing and in-app usage data to help you understand and control your energy consumption. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand to assist you. Switching to Fuse Energy is quick and easy, allowing you to take charge of your energy bills. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. You can also find out more about our mission to make energy abundant and affordable here.
