Which? responds to the news that three-quarters of traditional prepayment meter customers have redeemed their Energy Bill Support Scheme vouchers

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

“The sad reality is that we are still seeing far too many vouchers not being redeemed. This recent increase in take up, while welcome, is only slightly up from where we were in January, when there were 29 per cent of vouchers not yet claimed. 

“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. 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 

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. More information is available here.