Energy bill support if you do not get it automatically: continuous cruisers
Energy bill support vouchers for people who hold a boat long-term leisure licence without a home mooring (continuous cruiser) and who did not receive the support last winter.
Applies to England and Wales
Scheme closed
The continuous cruisers scheme ran from September to December 2023. The scheme is now closed.
This scheme is part of the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding.
It is for people who live on a boat as continuous cruisers who:
- held a Canal & River Trust long-term leisure licence without a home mooring (continuous cruiser 6 or 12 month licence) for a minimum of one day between 27 February 2023 and 31 May 2023
- you have not received last winter’s Energy Bills Support Scheme or Alternative Fuels Payment support
If you are eligible you will receive a £600 voucher which is made up of:
- £400 from the Energy Bills Support Scheme
- £200 from the Alternative Fuels Payment scheme
You do not need to provide evidence (such as receipts) that you use alternative fuels to be eligible for the full amount.
Who will not get the voucher
You are not be eligible for this voucher if you have a home mooring or have already received government support for your energy bills under another scheme.
How you will get the voucher
You can expect to receive your voucher from September 2023.
A single £600 PayPoint Open Pay voucher will be sent by email, text message or letter to the details you have registered with the Canal & River Trust.
Check your details are correct online on your Canal & River Trust boat licensing account by 21 September 2023.
How to redeem the voucher
The voucher will include instructions on how to redeem it. You will be able to redeem it online or in person.
Only the person named on the voucher can redeem it.
You must redeem it by the expiry date shown on the voucher.
Redeeming the voucher online
Follow the instructions on the voucher to redeem it online.
We recognise that scams may mimic legitimate information. The government will not ask you directly to provide your bank account details to receive the payment. To redeem your voucher online you will be asked to log into your bank account.
We recommend you contact us if you’re unsure if a link is legitimate.
Redeeming the voucher in person
If you cannot redeem the voucher online, you can take it to a shop near you that is a PayPoint location. Find your nearest location on the PayPoint website.
You will need to take proof of identity with you that matches your details on the voucher. Accepted proof of identity is listed on the voucher.
If you have not received your voucher
If you think you should have got a voucher but you do not receive one, contact us by 15 September 2023.
Include your:
- full name
- email address registered with the Canal & River Trust
- Canal & River Trust customer number (you can find this using the Trust’s online portal)
Contact us
Visit our contact DESNZ page and select the appropriate option.
Read the scheme privacy notice to understand how we process and use your personal data.
Last updated 19 September 2023 + show all updates
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Added deadline to update details with the Canal & River Trust.
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Updated with details about when vouchers will be issued and how to redeem them.
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First published.