Glaswegians are being urged to check if they can benefit from energy vouchers, with thousands of people still to claim the support.
The reminder comes from Advice Direct Scotland (ADS) as around one in five households in Scotland with prepayment gas and electricity meters have not redeemed their energy rebate vouchers. PayPoint sent out hundreds of thousands of vouchers in November of last year as part of the UK Government’s support scheme. However, the vouchers are only valid for 90 days.
Most households will have £400 automatically taken off their electricity bills in six instalments, or will have the money added to their accounts. But those on traditional prepayment meters need the vouchers to get the discount.
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PayPoint said that 79 per cent of customers have redeemed their voucher(s), but warn that those still to claim only have until March 8 to do so, in line with the 90 days deadline. Those who have not yet claimed their January vouchers yet will have until April 9.
ADS are urging households to claim the extra financial support amid rising costs, with people asked to check unopened mail in case the vouchers have been missed.
They also ask that people contact their energy supplier and check with them by using contact details found on bills, statements, and official websites.
Conor Forbes, policy director with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With energy prices still incredibly high, and the cold winter weather continuing, it’s vital that households get all the support they’re entitled to.
“We would urge any households in Scotland who have a prepayment meter to check whether you have been sent a voucher and use it before it expires.
“It’s concerning that so many people have not redeemed their November vouchers and we don’t want to see a similar situation when December’s vouchers expire next month.
“If haven’t received your vouchers, you should immediately get in touch with your energy supplier or Advice Direct Scotland’s expert advisers.”
If you need help or advice, you can contact energyadvice.scot if there are any difficulties getting through to suppliers or resolving issues. The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.energyadvice.scot.
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