ONE in five households with prepayment meters have not cashed in vouchers issued to help pay soaring energy bills, it emerged today.

About 380,000 vouchers — 19 per cent of the total — were not redeemed in both October and November last year, according to data seen by the BBC.

The shortfall means that up to £50 million of government support for record-high electricity and gas costs has gone unclaimed by the most vulnerable.

Those on prepayment meters — often the lowest earners — have been forced to access the £400 of support available via vouchers sent by post or email, as opposed to people paying by direct debit who receive discounts automatically.

Consumer group Which? slammed the “deeply worrying” situation. 

“As an urgent priority, the government and energy suppliers must work together to share best practice and quickly improve the scheme,” director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha said. 

Tory ministers must also “set out a clear process for the reissuing of any expired or lost vouchers,” she said. 

A government spokesperson claimed that customers can contact their energy supplier to have any expired vouchers reissued.