The Government has announced a £400 energy bill grant will be paid to customers over six payments to help households cope with the cost of living crisis.

As part of an £11.7 billion energy support package, some 29 million households will receive grants to help pay for their energy bills this winter, starting in October.

The money will be credited to bills by energy providers in six payments of £66 for October and November, then £67 from December to March.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

"People across the country are understandably worried about the global rise in energy costs and the pressure this is placing on everyday bills.

"While no Government can control global gas prices, we have a responsibility to step in where we can and this significant £400 discount on energy bills we're providing will go some way to help millions of families in the colder months."

The grants will also apply to tenants renting properties with domestic electricity contracts from landlords, where energy costs are included in their rent.

However, charities and campaigners expressed concern that more than two million prepayment meter customers may have difficulty accessing the support.

Customers who use ‘non-smart' prepayment meters will not receive the support automatically but will instead have to redeem a discount voucher.

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