I’m an energy specialist – prepayment customers must check NOW or risk missing out on £400 bill help

FOUR million prepayment customers must do some important checks now or risk missing out on £400 bill help.

Millions of households were dealt an energy bill body blow on Friday, as Ofgem revealed costs will rise to £3,549 on average a year from October.

But for four million prepayment meter customers, energy bills will be even higher, at £3,608 a year.

That's why it's important that these customers must check their details are up to date in order to get vital energy bill help, Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi said.

"People on prepayment meters typically pay more for their energy because of the extra cost of running the infrastructure," he said.

With eye-watering costs, here's what you need to do to make sure you don't miss out on money.

Check your details NOW

All households in the UK will get a £400 energy bill discount.

It will be dished out in six monthly instalments from October until March 2023.

The  will be automatic for those who pay their bills by direct debit or quarterly, and smart prepayment meter customers.

But those on traditional prepayment meters will need to redeem the discount voucher to get the help.

Vouchers will be sent by suppliers either in the post, via text or by email on the first week of each month over the six month period from October.

That's why you must check your contact details are up to date with your supplier - otherwise you could miss out on the help, Ben said.

"If you are concerned that your supplier does not have your correct contact information then you can check your account details online to see if they are accurate and update them if they are out of date," he said.

“You can also contact your supplier to confirm what details they have on file and provide updated information if necessary.”

A quick check now could mean you get the help sooner rather than later, if they have the wrong details for you.

Keep your vouchers safe

You have just over a month until you'll get your first voucher.

But once you start receiving them, you must keep them safe and remember to use them.

The government have not confirmed whether there's an expiry date on vouchers, or when you have to spend them by.

It also hasn't said whether households will be able to apply for a replacement voucher if they lose their voucher.

The Sun has asked for more details and will update this story as soon as we know more.

Put it in a safe place and remember to take it to your top up point each month, Ben said, otherwise you could "miss out on the available support and end up paying more for your energy".

Ben added that if costs become too unaffordable on a prepayment meter, you should ask your supplier for help.

"If you're struggling with the costs, households should see if they can move off a prepayment meter," he added.

"Anyone who is finding it unaffordable should speak to their supplier and see if moving to a standard meter could be an option for them."

Other bill help to check NOW

October may be too long to wait for those who desperately need help now.

That's why you can apply to help schemes NOW to get money off your bills.

There are plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you're struggling.

British Gas has recently confirmed that it'll pay its most vulnerable customers grants worth £750 to help with sky-high bills.

Ask your supplier what's on offer and how to apply, or check here:

There's also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment metre.