'Don't lose out on energy vouchers', urges councillor
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OLDER people in Moray who have pre-payment energy meters are being encouraged to check if they have used their cost of living vouchers.
The rebate vouchers, which are worth a total of £400, were sent out as part of the government's Energy Bills Support Scheme. Vouchers expire after 90 days and have to be redeemed by June 30, 2023 after which date they are no longer valid.
Buckie councillor Sonya Warren said that the vouchers were an issue she had been approached about by several groups in her role as one of Moray Council's Older People's Champions.
She continued: "I am aware that there have been issues with some prepayment meters locally.
"However, this does not remove people's entitlement to using the vouchers.
"We are being told that around one in five households with prepayment gas and electricity meters have not redeemed their energy rebate vouchers. People in Moray are probably included in this and it's important that they claim their entitlement, times are hard and every penny counts during this cost of living crisis.
"Advice Direct Scotland is offering support to people that have yet to claim their vouchers.They have offered the following advice: Check unopened mail, in case the vouchers have been missed; Check with energy suppliers, using contact details found on bills, statements, and official websites; Contact energyadvice.scot if there are any difficulties getting through to suppliers or resolving issues. The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.energyadvice.scot
"I am also available to help anyone that would require further support."
Households which have a smart pre-payment meter should have the discount directly credited in the first week of each month.
Those with a traditional prepayment meter should receive their vouchers by text, email or post or as an automatic credit when they top up at their usual top-up point
Electricity suppliers should let customers know in advance how they will get their discount.
Vouchers can be redeemed at a top-up point, for example at a Post Office or PayPoint shop. However, Payzone outlets do not accept the vouchers.
More information on the scheme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/get-help-energy-bills/getting-discount-energy-bill
