THOUSANDS of people are still missing out on £400 free cash and they have just hours left to claim it before missing out for good.
More than £100million worth of vouchers from the Energy Bills Support Scheme are still unclaimed.
Millions of pounds worth of vouchers are still unclaimedPA
The £400 vouchers were paid out in six instalments from October last year to March this year.
However, many customers on prepayment meters, and often the most vulnerable, did not get them and therefore needed to claim the vouchers.
But the scheme ends tonight so if you haven’t already cashed them in, do so now or you’ll miss out on free cash.
If you think you qualify and you still haven’t claimed your vouchers, contact your electricity supplier now.
Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action boss Adam Scorer said: “As energy bills have spiralled, National Energy Action knows how crucial the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme has been.
“The £400, paid in six instalments of £66 or £67, has helped many people this winter.
“But prepayment customers – often some of the most vulnerable – were paid in vouchers and millions remains unclaimed.
“Some customers didn’t receive them, others struggled to redeem them.
“We urge anyone who hasn’t yet claimed their vouchers to do so before the June 30 deadline and, if you have friends and family that may not have used their vouchers, spread the word.
“It may be the support that keeps their lights on, their oven cooking, their hot showers running, through the summer.
“It’s vital money at a time when it’s never been needed more.”
How do I redeem an energy voucher?
If you’re on a traditional prepayment meter, you should have been given redeemable energy bill discount vouchers or special action messages sent via text, email or post.
You’ll then need to take the voucher to your local PayPoiint store or a Post Office and it’ll be then credited onto your prepayment meter.
You may need to provide some form of ID to be able to redeem them so make sure you’ve got that to hand.
Customers of Bulb, E.ON and E.ON Next, EDF, Octopus, Ovo (and SSE), Scottish Power, Shell Energy, Utilita and Utility Warehouse can choose for their voucher to be redeemed on either their gas or electricity meter.
However, British Gas customers can only redeem their vouchers on their electricity meters.
It’s also important to note that those who’ve lost unredeemed vouchers can get them reissued for free, but they must be redeemed by June 30 – when the scheme officially comes to an end.
The vouchers will expire after 90 days so make sure you use them in time.
If it has expired, you can contact your energy provider to get a new one.
How else can I save money on my energy bills?
There are a number of ways you can cut back on the cost of your energy bills, even if you don’t get selected for the British Gas scheme.
If you’ve got old-style halogen light bulbs it’s worth switching to LED ones to save you some cash – it could be worth £55 a year too.
Meanwhile, ditching the tumble dryer and drying your clothes outside, if you can, will save you some money too.
Even if you don’t have a garden or any open space, you can use a clothes airer and leave it next to an open window.
You might be able to get help paying for your energy bills too.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) was set up by the Government and is worth £842million.
The money has been distributed among councils in England so you’ll have to get in touch with yours to receive help.
If you don’t know what council area you fall under, you can use the Government’s council locator tool on its website.
The type of help on offer varies depending on where you live.
But, you might be able to get energy vouchers or a cash grant paid directly into your bank account to help pay for your bills.
Meanwhile, a number of energy companies, including British Gas, offer grants if you’re struggling to pay your bills – you can read the full list here.
British Gas provides energy to over seven million UK homes and businesses.
It was founded in 1812, originally as the Gas Light and Coke Company.
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