The Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) pilot phase was launched on 16 January for test data. The pilot phase is now open for live applications in West Suffolk County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council, Glasgow City Council and Chichester District Council.

The Government has launched the pilot phase to test the digital systems of the application process and the end-to-end user journey. Being confined to the two pilot local authorities will limit the number of applications being processed at this stage so these local authorities are not overwhelmed.

To access the application portal for the pilot on the GOV.UK webpage, eligible households in the local authority areas can search; “Apply for energy bill support if you do not get it automatically” in an internet search engine. There is no direct link to this webpage to limit the risk of fraud, where a fraudulent link could be inserted instead.

For those who do not have online access, please contact the contact centre helpline on 08081753287.

As part of the pilot phase, feedback from households who have submitted applications to help improve the end-to-end user journey is requested.

To provide any feedback, please contact [email protected]

The scheme will open across all local authority areas in Great Britain by 27 February and the EBSS Alternative Funding Team will be working to try and launch the application portal, and accompanying contact centre helpline, before this date if possible.