“Non-Standard Customers”, or NSCs, can also apply for help with their bills from April 2023 to March 2024, similar to the support others will receive under the government’s Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS).
How do I know if I am a non-standard customer?
Non-standard customers are those in Great Britain and Northern Ireland that consume gas or electricity supplied by wire or pipe from a license-exempt supplier, for which they pay a price that is pegged to wholesale energy prices. Customers include some public sector organisations and energy intensive industries, such as steelmakers, recycling plants and manufacturers.
Backdated support is available
NSCs can also apply for backdated support under the previous Energy Bill Relief Scheme (which supported firms through a tough winter, and ended in March 2023). It applies to those that get their licence-exempt supply from the public grid, as well as those that get a licence-exempt supply from waste, anaerobic digestion and biomass plants.
The government is urging companies to check their eligibility on GOV.UK.
Should we look into applying for NSC support now?
Yes. The claims window is open now and it is possible to backdate your claim as far back as October 2022. Since this is a new and complex scheme, it makes sense to read the technical guidance first and get in touch with your QEP about its application on your behalf.
If you’d like to know more about any of these schemes and how you can benefit, get in touch for advice.
