Outlining the scope of the State Pension Credit (Disclosure of Information) (Electricity Suppliers) Regulations 2010, Work and Pensions Minister Lord McKenzie of Luton told the Lords yesterday that the new legislation will establish an 'energy rebate scheme' that will be piloted for a year, and that the 'lessons we learn' will be used to design a new scheme for introduction in 2011.

 

Under the rebate scheme, that will be funded by the electricity suppliers, those aged 70 and over on 26 March 2010 who receive only the guarantee credit element of pension credit will receive a one-off rebate, worth £80 off their electricity bill. This, Lord McKenzie said -

'... represents a significant additional contribution towards fuel costs for recipients, and will be paid in addition to the winter fuel payment and cold weather payments in periods of very cold weather.'

 

NB - to determine who will receive the rebate, certain data will be shared between the DWP and the energy suppliers. This will be done through a data-matching exercise carried out by HP Enterprise Services, the DWP's 'recognised and authorised' IT provider.

 

The draft regulations specify the information that can be shared, the purposes for which that information can be used and an offences regime for unlawful disclosure of information.