Recommendation 7

Some off-grid homes and businesses had to wait longer to receive support compared to the schemes to support consumers connected to the energy grid. The Department started delivering payments through the non-domestic Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme in February 2023. On 6 February 2023, it expected that eligible consumers would receive payments during February and March 2023.14 Following our evidence session, the Department launched the application for the top-up element of the non-domestic AFP on 20 March 2023, which is available for consumers who are high users of heating oil.15