Energy customers are being urged to take a meter reading today ahead of upcoming changes to the energy price cap this weekend. Households are being told to submit an up-to-date reading to their supplier before Saturday, July 1 when the government's energy price cap changes.
Set by energy regulators Ofgem, the price cap sets how much the typical household pays for their gas and electric. Energy bills have skyrocketed in recent years due in part to wholesale market prices and the Ukraine conflict. In January 2019 it was just over £1,100 and in October 2022 topped £3,500 a month, resulting in the UK government introducing its energy price guarantee to protect struggling households.
Since then bills have been limited by the price guarantee, which is currently £2,500, lower than Ofgem's price cap. But from Saturday, July 1 the price cap will fall to £2,074 - £500 less than the price guarantee, which is also rising to £3,000 from Saturday. It means households are finally set to see bills go down, though they're still much higher than they were a few years ago. To get all the latest money-saving news straight to your inbox twice a week sign up here.
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People are being reminded that they should take a meter reading in order to avoid paying a higher price than they should. Energy providers will make adjustments to your energy rates automatically when they change, but, it is a good idea to take a reading beforehand to make sure you don't end up paying more.
Posting on Twitter this week, MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis explained that the changes apply to those who pay by direct debit, for whom energy companies estimate usage and assign it to a certain period. You can read everything he said here.
How do I take and submit a meter reading?
In most cases, taking and submitting a reading is simple - just read the numbers on your meter and either write them down or take a picture. You can usually submit your reading through your supplier's website by providing some personal details and your account number. However, many also advise doing it through their apps, which you can download on the Play Store or App Store, or via other means such as webchat or email.
British Gas said in a message on its website: "If you don't manage to provide a read on the June 30 don't worry, you can still use this form until July 14 to submit the reading you took on June 30."
EDF Energy is also advising its customers that they can submit a reading by entering their details through their website here. E.ON Next customers are also being told to submit their reading using their online account which you can find out more about here.
Octopus Energy customers can submit readings online or through their account, scanning camera readings through the app or by email. Find out more here.
OVO Energy customers can give readings online, through the app or via webchat. Find out all you need to know or submit a reading here. Shell Energy advises that the easiest way to submit a reading is through its app, but you can also do it through their website or by phone. Find out everything you need to know here.
Will I be penalised if I don't submit one before Saturday?
It is ideal to send a reading ahead of Saturday's new price cap, but in most cases you won't automatically lose out if you don't. In April 2022, when bills were soaring, the scramble to submit readings caused many energy companies' websites to crash.
Speaking on Twitter this week, Martin Lewis explained that you are likely to have a few days' leeway either side of Saturday to submit an up-to-date reading. If you can't submit one today for any reason, you can always take a picture of your meter and submit it at a later date.
I have a smart meter - do I need to take a reading?
No, you don't. Customers with a working smart meter or prepayment meter do not need to take a meter reading as theirs are submitted automatically to your supplier. You can always submit one manually if you want to be doubly sure, but it isn't necessary.
