Urgent warning as thousands of households risk missing out on free £400 payment for energy bills – how to get it

MORE than £100million of Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers are still yet to be claimed, with only a few days left until Friday’s deadline.

Many people on prepayment meters — often the most vulnerable — have not received the £400 Government discount.

Anyone who has not claimed their vouchers is urged to contact their electricity supplier as soon as possible.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action chief exec 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."

NEA said the poor take-up is not because of a lack of need but because many people are not aware and the charity is urging people with friends and family who may be eligible to contact it.

How can I redeem the energy voucher?

If you're on a traditional prepayment meter, you should have been given redeemable energy bill discount vouchers or special action messages (SAMs) via SMS text, email or post.

These vouchers can be redeemed at a customer's usual top-up point.

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.