Press statement

Which? responds to the news that the government has published Energy Bill Support Scheme prepayment meter voucher redemption rates for each supplier

2 min read
Press Team

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

“Which? has led calls for Energy Bill Support Scheme voucher redemption rates for traditional prepayment customers to be published for each supplier and we are pleased to see the government taking this on board - providing much needed transparency about which firms need to make improvements. 

"It is very concerning that around 30 per cent of vouchers still haven't been redeemed - even with freezing temperatures last month - and that suppliers including EDF, Scottish Power, Energy Plus Supply Limited, Good Energy and Utilita are falling short in making sure this support reaches their customers. As an urgent priority, the government and energy suppliers must work together to share best practice and quickly 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. If you are on a traditional prepayment meter and haven’t received your vouchers or are unsure of how to redeem them, you should get in touch with your supplier for more information and to make sure they have the correct contact details.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Link to government press release and the data here.

Last month, 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. More information is available here.