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.
Energy expert Ben explains what you need to do NOW if you’re a prepayment meter customer
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 discount 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information then you can check your account details online to see if they are accurate and update them if they are out of date,” he said.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.
HOAR 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:
- British Gas Energy Trust
- Bulb energy fund
- EDF’s energy customer support fund
- E.on’s energy fund
- Npower’s energy fund
- Ovo’s debt and energy assistance
- Scottish Power’s hardship fund
There’s also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you’re on a prepayment metre.
Councils also offer help through the Household Support Fund and the welfare assistance scheme.
Help you can get through both schemes varies depending on who your local authority is.
But you can get food vouchers, money to put towards your energy bills, rent help or even cash for furniture.
To find out what support is available in your area, contact your local council.
An energy bill expert has outlined six checks you need to do NOW ahead of bills rising.
We outline the full list of energy discounts you can apply for – you could save HUNDREDS.
If you’re worried about falling behind on bills or if you’re in debt. there are plenty of organisations where you can get free advice, including:
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000
- Step Change – 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
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