Which? responds to the news that prepayment meter customers are twice as likely to go into debt to cope with the rising cost of living

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:

"These findings echo Which? research, which found that 2.3 million households missed payments in January. It's hugely concerning that prepayment customers are being hit particularly hard - especially when figures show that nearly one in four energy bill support scheme vouchers are still going unredeemed.

“As an urgent priority, the government, local authorities and energy suppliers must continue to work together to share best practice and improve the scheme to ensure that all customers on these prepayment meters – who are more likely to be vulnerable and on lower incomes – are able to access this vital support without further delay.

“Traditional prepayment meter customers should also be prioritised in smart meter roll-outs where appropriate, so that financial support can be delivered automatically in future."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Which? has been working with energy providers and the government to influence improvements in voucher take-up.

In December, Which?, Money Saving Expert, National Energy Action, Citizens Advice and Age UK wrote a joint letter to energy firms calling on them to take immediate action to ensure traditional prepayment meter customers are able to access government support – including publishing data on a supplier level

Which? recently launched a campaign calling on businesses in essential sectors – supermarkets, telecoms and energy – to do more to help their customers through the cost of living crisis. As part of this, Which? has been campaigning for the government and energy suppliers to improve the Energy Bill Support Scheme for traditional prepayment meter customers.