One call to your energy supplier to ensure your name is on the electricity bill may mean you are in line for a £150 discount this winter – but you need to get in before the deadline.

While the cost of heating your home might not be at the forefront of your mind during the long, hot summer prices are set to rise again this winter.

Suppliers use customers’ records as of Sunday 23 August to check who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount.

The government scheme knocks £150 off bills if you are on means-tested benefits such as universal credit.

Millions of people will learn of the level of winter energy prices later this month, when Ofgem announces the quarterly price cap for the three months from October.

To help those who might struggle to pay, energy companies distribute the £150 Warm Home Discount to about six million households in the winter. Households in receipt of housing benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and universal credit qualify.

Households who are eligible should get the discount automatically, provided their supplier has over 1,000 customers.

However, that only happens if your name is on the bill and you are receiving one of these benefits. It can also help suppliers offer better support, such as repayment plans, to those who have energy debt.

Someone might not be named on their electricity bill if they have recently moved house.

Eligible customers on pre-payment meters who use a key or card to top up will also need to ensure that their household’s account is registered in their name.

“If you know someone who might benefit, please start spreading the word and encourage them to check they are named on their energy bill,” said Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.

The government also said that 345,000 Scottish low-income households would now automatically receive the rebate in the winter, bringing Scotland’s policy in line with England and Wales.

Previously, eligible Scottish households have had to apply for the scheme.