New UK government data highlights 42% of vouchers for customers with older prepayment meters have yet to be redeemed for one of the government flagships schemes to tackle the energy crisis.
The Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) is intended to provide all households with £400 off their energy bills by the end of April. Despite households having three months to claim the support, representatives of fuel poverty charity National Energy Action have said that the statistics could be an alarming, early indication that those most in need could miss out.
Peter Smith, director of policy and advocacy at National Energy Action, said: “Households using older prepayment meters face significant challenges accessing this government support, despite being at acute risk. If they cannot afford to top up, they will lose access to energy entirely – self-disconnecting and trying to survive the stark consequences that go with no heat or power in the home.
“These latest statistics are therefore very worrying and while we hope that many households who have received these vouchers are still waiting to use them when the weather turns colder, it could be an early indication that those most in need could miss out on this vital support.”
Representatives of National Energy Action have said the charity warned during the consultation of the Energy Bill Support Scheme there was a significant risk that households on older prepayment meters might not redeem vouchers. Unlike direct debit or standard credit customers, prepayment meter customers rarely receive post from their energy supplier and more generally, these customers often have a remote relationship with their supplier.
The charity’s leaders warned that changes to the Energy Price Guarantee means that the average bill of £3,000 from April is set to be a 40% increase from current record levels given that the government is set to cease the support currently provided by the Energy Bill Support Scheme.