Householders are being warned they have just over a month left to claim up to £400 in assistance with their energy bills. The government this week urged people who have prepayment meters to take advantage of the Energy Bills Support Scheme - and revealed £160 million has not been claimed yet.
People who pay their bills through direct debit have been assisted with direct money off from the government which reduced their payments over the winter months as the cost of living crisis hit. However people with prepayment meters have to claim the money vouchers themselves - and fears were raised that as a result some of the poorest people in the country may potentially miss out on the assistance - and only have until June 30 to apply.
Prepayment meter customers have so far claimed £620 million under the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS). New figures published today show that more than £780 million in EBSS vouchers have been sent to households, with nearly 80 per cent redeemed by customers.
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These vouchers allow eligible customers, often in low-income homes, to access vital discounts of up to £400 on their energy costs, which direct debit customers will have automatically received this winter.
Consumer Energy Minister Amanda Solloway has urged anyone who has not yet redeemed their prepayment meter vouchers to do so now, with the scheme remaining open until June 30. Customers can redeem the 2.4 million outstanding vouchers at their local Post Office or PayPoint.
The EBSS, together with the cap on energy prices, saw the government cover half of a typical household energy bill over the winter – driving forward the government’s priority to halve inflation. Last month the government also announced an extension to the Energy Price Guarantee, meaning by the end of June a typical household will have saved £1,500 on their energy bill – while wholesale prices continue to fall.
Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “Putin’s illegal war on Ukraine had a massive impact on global energy prices and with it, people’s bills. The government stepped in to provide vital support to households across the country, with £780 million in support delivered to prepayment meter customers.
"But there’s still £160 million of that yet to claim which will make a huge difference. Even as the warmer weather sets in I urge anyone on a traditional prepayment meter to act now if they haven’t redeemed their voucher.”
Nick Read, Chief Executive of the Post Office added: “We’re urging people not to miss out on this vital support from the government before the Energy Bills Support Scheme closes at the end of June. Claiming your voucher at the Post Office is really simple, just bring your voucher, your energy pre-payment key or card and the ID specified in your voucher letter and we will redeem the voucher for you at the counter.
"It’s important to check any post you have at home to ensure you haven’t missed any vouchers. They are valid for 3 months but if you have expired vouchers you should contact your electricity supplier and ask for a new one to be sent out.”
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