Eligible households have been urged to ensure they redeem vouchers provided through the Energy Bill Support Scheme as the expiry date looms.

Official statistics have revealed that up to 30% of householders with older, non-digital pre-payment meters in Renfrewshire may be missing out on vital energy payment support.

Households with a domestic electricity account using an older prepayment meter received a non-repayable grant of £400 between October 2022 and March 2023.

This was paid in six instalments via energy support vouchers, the first two – worth £66 each – were made in October and November and another four – worth £67 each – were made between December and March.

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don is urging those who have not redeemed their vouchers to do so before they expire on Wednesday, June 30.

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She told The Gazette: "If you have a non-smart (traditional) prepayment meter, you need to actively redeem the vouchers you've been sent.

"Once you've got a voucher from your energy supplier, you need to take it to a Post Office or PayPoint shop to add it to your gas or electricity top-up key or card. 

"If you haven't received all your vouchers, or if you did but have since lost them or they have expired, contact your energy supplier and they should be able to resend it. 

"Don't wait until it's too late. This is funding that could make a significant difference to the households who should have received these vouchers."

For more information, call Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 196 8660 or visit www.energyadvice.scot.