More than 1.1 million vouchers were issued in Scotland under the UK Government’s energy bill support scheme between October last year and March.

But more than 280,000 (24%) have not been redeemed, latest Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) statistics show.

At the end of March, there were more than 20,820 vouchers (34%) still unused in Edinburgh. In Glasgow, the figure stood at 46,670 vouchers (30%). Aberdeen had 16,890 (26%) vouchers unredeemed, and Dundee had 13,200 (19%) unused.

The figures come as households are reminded to make sure they have cashed in all their energy vouchers before they expire on June 30.

The UK Government has said that while over four in five vouchers have been used across the UK, £130 million is still available in a final push to encourage households to claim the support.

Advice Direct Scotland, the national energy advice service for Scotland, has urged those eligible to claim the help they are entitled to.

Almost one in five households in Scotland use prepayment meters for their gas or electricity. Most households had £400 automatically taken off their electricity bills in six instalments, or had the money added to their accounts.

However, those on traditional prepayment meters need the vouchers, worth either £66 or £67, to get the discount. If a voucher does expire, customers can ask for it to be reissued. Suppliers should contact consumers if vouchers are not redeemed.

Sulaimon Olafare, head of marketing and media with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With energy prices still incredibly high, it’s vital that households get all the support they’re entitled to.

“We would urge any households in Scotland who have a prepayment meter to check whether you have been sent a voucher and use it before it expires.

“It’s concerning that so many people have not redeemed their vouchers, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.

“If you haven’t received your vouchers, you should immediately get in touch with your energy supplier or Advice Direct Scotland’s expert advisors.”