Despite the unprecedented level of support that the UK government has put in place to help households with their energy bills, many households are yet to claim the support they are entitled to. As of March this year, a number of vouchers worth up to £400 on energy costs remain unclaimed. This is particularly concerning for households on prepayment meters, who tend to be the hardest hit by energy costs and the most in need of support. The vouchers, which can be redeemed at PayPoint or the Post Office, offer a significant discount on energy bills, and could make a huge difference to the lives of those struggling to keep their homes warmer and more energy efficient.
To ensure that everyone receives all the help they are entitled to, the government has also made several attempts to contact households across the country. The Energy Minister and the Department for Energy and Security have both stressed the importance of claiming this support, particularly for those with traditional prepayment meters. Direct debit customers can access government support using the Energy Price Guarantee, which offers payments of £66 in October and November 2022, and £67 every month between December 2022 and March 2023. The Affordable Warmth Delivery Manager at the West Midlands Combined Authority has emphasized that it is important that everyone receives the support they need to stay warm and safe, especially in light of the government’s commitment to achieving energy security and net zero emissions.
Suppliers also have a responsibility to help their customers claim the support they are entitled to, and to educate them on how to access government support. Efforts are already underway which will help many households on prepayment meters, but it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that households are not missing out on the support they need. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why so many households are still missing out on energy bill support, and what can be done to redouble efforts to get the support to those who need it most.
Can I get help paying my energy bills?
If you’re struggling with your energy bills, you’re not alone. Many households in the UK are finding it tough to make ends meet, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the UK government has put measures in place to help those in need.
One of the most significant ways that the UK government is offering support is through the energy bill support scheme. This scheme provides eligible households with a voucher worth up to £400 to help with energy costs. However, it’s estimated that many of these vouchers remain unclaimed, with some households on prepayment meters yet to redeem the support.
If you’re entitled to a voucher, it’s essential to redeem it before the deadline of 30 June. You can do this by contacting your energy supplier or going to a PayPoint location. You’ll also need to provide your voucher code and your energy account number.
The support vouchers are available to those who meet specific criteria, such as those on prepayment meters, direct debit customers, and those who are struggling to pay their energy bills. To claim the support, you’ll need to contact your energy supplier and provide them with proof of eligibility.
It’s crucial that everyone receives all the help they’re entitled to with their energy bills. Many households are yet to claim the support, and these vouchers are worth a significant amount of money. With energy prices on the rise, redeeming these vouchers can make a big difference.
The UK government has made several attempts to contact households across the country to let them know about the support available. The government’s energy bill is part of an unprecedented level of support for those in need. The consumer energy minister has also called on energy companies to redouble their efforts to get the support to those who need it the most.
If you think you or someone you know may be entitled to the support vouchers, it’s essential to act now. Contact your energy supplier or visit a PayPoint location to redeem your voucher. With the help we’ve put in place, there’s no need to struggle with your energy bills.
What support can I get from my energy supplier?
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, it’s important to know that there is help available. Your energy supplier may be able to offer support vouchers, energy bill discounts, or advice on how to access government support.
The UK government has put in place an unprecedented level of support for households struggling with energy costs. The Energy Bill Support Scheme offers eligible households up to £400 to help with energy costs, with vouchers that can be redeemed at PayPoint or the Post Office.
Unfortunately, many households are still missing out on this support. Despite the scheme being in place since March this year, a number of vouchers remain unclaimed. This is especially concerning for households on prepayment meters, who tend to be in the greatest need but the hardest to reach.
If you’re struggling with energy costs and haven’t yet claimed this support, it’s important to contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. They should be able to provide you with information on how to access government support using your entitlement to the Warm Home Discount or the energy price guarantee.
Direct debit customers may also be able to benefit from government support. The government has made several attempts to contact households across the UK to let them know about the support available.
In addition to government support, your energy supplier may also offer its own support schemes. This may include discounts on energy bills over a six-month period, payments of £66 in October and November 2022, and £67 every month between December 2022 and March 2023. Some suppliers may also offer support vouchers or advice on how to reduce energy costs.
It’s important to remember that suppliers have a responsibility to support customers who are struggling with energy costs. The Department for Energy and Energy Security and Net Zero has already made efforts to get the support to those who need it, but it’s important that everyone receives all the help they are entitled to with their energy bills.
Thousands of energy bill support vouchers left unclaimed in the North East
Thousands of energy bill support vouchers worth up to £400 each are currently unclaimed by households in the North East, according to recent reports. The vouchers, which can be used to help with energy costs, were made available through the UK government’s energy bill support scheme and are specifically targeted at households on prepayment meters, who are often the hardest hit by energy costs.
It’s concerning that so many vouchers remain unclaimed, especially as they could make a significant difference to household budgets. Prepayment meters tend to be used by households in greatest need, but also tend to be the hardest hit by energy costs. That’s why it’s so important that everyone receives all the help they are entitled to with their energy bills, to help them stay warmer and more energy efficient.
Suppliers have a responsibility to ensure their customers know how to access government support, and must make several attempts to contact households across the region who are entitled to help with their energy costs. The government has also launched efforts to get the support to those who need it, including making payments of £66 in October and November 2022, and £67 every month between December 2022 and March 2023 to direct debit customers. The affordable warmth delivery manager is already underway, which will help many households on prepayment meters.
Consumer energy minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan has stated that the government wants energy companies to redouble their efforts to get support to those who need it most. She emphasized the unprecedented level of support that has been put in place, including the government’s energy bill support scheme, which provides households with much-needed relief from high energy prices.
It’s important that everyone knows about the help we’ve put in place, and that they can access government support using a range of different methods, including at PayPoint and the Post Office. The government is committed to ensuring that everyone receives the support they need to stay warm and comfortable in their homes, even as energy prices rise. If you think a neighbour or friend has not yet claimed this support, I would encourage you to let them know. With the right help and support, we can ensure that everyone can keep their homes warm and their energy costs affordable.
Other ways to save on energy bills
While government support and energy bill vouchers can provide a significant amount of help with energy costs, there are other ways that households can save on their energy bills. Here are some additional tips:
- Use energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help you save money in the long run. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
- Install a smart thermostat: A smart thermostat can help you save money by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home based on your preferences and schedule. Some models can also be controlled remotely through a smartphone app.
- Reduce standby power: Many appliances continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. Use power strips and turn them off when you’re not using them to avoid wasting electricity.
- Seal air leaks: Air leaks can cause your home to lose heat, leading to higher energy bills. Check for gaps around doors, windows, and other areas where air could be escaping, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking.
- Use natural light: Instead of relying on artificial lighting during the day, open curtains and blinds to let natural light in. This can help reduce your electricity usage.
- Use energy-saving light bulbs: LED and CFL bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- Reduce water usage: Conserving water can also help lower your energy bills. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, and fix any leaks promptly.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can help reduce your energy usage and save money on your energy bills. While government support is available for those in need, taking steps to become more energy efficient can benefit everyone in the long run.