Energy efficiency

Social Tariffs

All energy providers have to offer social tariffs to help their most vulnerable customers cope with the high costs of gas and electricity.

What are Social Tariffs?

As part of the government’s strategy to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016, all energy suppliers now have to offer social tariffs to help their most vulnerable customers cope with the high costs of gas and electricity.  OFGEM rules stipulate that all social tariffs must be the supplier’s cheapest available deals. Suppliers have agreed with OFGEM to increase their collective spend on social tariffs by £225million between 2008 and 2011

Who is eligible for Social Tariffs?

Social tariffs are available to all households that are disadvantaged financially, and can be categorised as vulnerable.

While eligibility criteria can vary between suppliers, examples of those who may qualify for a social tariff include:

• A household in receipt of pension credit
• A household in receipt of income support 
• A household in receipt of income-based jobseeker’s allowance 
• A household in receipt of child tax credit which includes a disability or severe disability element

Households that meet the requirements for a social tariff will have a minimal income, and will be deemed vulnerable through age (elderly or very young) or disability.

In order to access a social tariff the resident must contact their fuel supplier and request details of the eligibility criteria.