![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/400-energy-support-vouchers-going-unclaimed/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127401282_gettyimages-1423646171.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesMany customers with prepayment meters have not yet redeemed vouchers to help with energy bills, the BBC has learned.From 1 October, households should have begun to receive the first instalment of the government's Energy Bill Support Scheme.But figures from one in-store payment company revealed that only half of the expected value had been redeemed.A government spokesperson told customers to have their credit applied to their meter as soon as possible.The Energy Bill Support Scheme was first announced by government in May and applies across England, Scotland and Wales. Under the scheme. everyone's energy bill will be cut by £400. This will be applied over six months, with a reduction of £66 in October and November, and £67 every month between December and March 2023. For customers who have a traditional prepayment meter, which requires topping up via a key or card in a local newsagent or Post Office, the help with energy bills comes in the form of a voucher.Payment company PayPoint told BBC News that it expected to process 800,000 vouchers in October, worth a total of £52.8m.However, the business said only £27m had been redeemed. PayPoint and fuel poverty charities are urging any prepayment customers to go through their post in case they have missed the delivery, particularly as the vouchers are only valid for 90 days.The vouchers, which suppliers are sending out by post, email or text, can also be redeemed with the Post Office and Payzone.More than four million people have a prepayment meter, and around half of those are the older, non-smart type of meter, according to the energy watchdog Ofgem."It's so important that everyone gets the support they're entitled to," said Gillian Cooper, head of energy policy at Citizens Advice. She also called on customers to ensure their contact details were up to date and reach out to their suppliers if they had not heard anything on the assistance yet. Customers do not need to apply for the assistance, bu){kind=link}
Many customers with prepayment meters have not yet redeemed vouchers to help with energy bills, the BBC has learned.
From 1 October, households should have begun to receive the first instalment of the government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme.
But figures from one in-store payment company revealed that only half of the expected value had been redeemed.
A government spokesperson told customers to have their credit applied to their meter as soon as possible.
The Energy Bill Support Scheme was first announced by government in May and applies across England, Scotland and Wales.