Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost to the public purse was of advertising support schemes for people using prepayment meters in the last financial year.

The Government wants everyone who is eligible to redeem their prepayment meter vouchers and get £400 to help with their energy bills. Unlike direct debit customers, pre-payment meter customers need to take action in order to access the £400 support and represent some of the most vulnerable groups in society which is why it’s vital they are made aware of how to access this funding.

Ministers have pushed for suppliers to do more to help vulnerable customers and, alongside using all of its existing relationships and networks, the Government have expanded campaign activity to reach eligible customers with additional advertising across multiple channels including community radio, social media and national magazine titles. The cost of advertising targeted at people with pre-payment meters to drive take-up will be £469,000 this financial year.