Martin Lewis has warned people with an energy meter of a fast approaching deadline they need to be aware of ahead of a rise in electricity and gas prices.
The MoneySavingExpert returned to TV last night for his ITV advice show and offered fresh advice to Brits, with an urgent warning to take a meter reading in just a matter of days. As well as offering guidance on mortgage rate increases and a new energy price guarantee scheme, Martin said every household should take a meter reading on September 30.
This is the last day of the month and the last day before the October 1 price rise, with September 30 dubbed 'Meter Reading Day'. He offered similar advice earlier this year at the end of April which saw energy websites crash due to the demand with many trying to submit readings to their providers.
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However, ahead of September 30, Martin has urged people to try a different tack and take a photo of it if they are struggling to upload it. He said: "Meter reading day is on the 30th of September.
"The reason for it is on October 1 almost all the energy prices change, most are up. If you pay on direct debit, firms estimate your energy usage and they also estimate when it's used so you don't them to assign more of your usage to the more expensive period. How do you stop that? You submit a meter reading. Take a photo of it too so there's evidence that way there is no discrepancy."
Martin explained that he did not want websites to crash again after his advice in April triggered a surge in people wanting to submit their readings online. He told viewers on his programme: "I don't want that to happen again."
He went on: "I would say let's not call it meter reading day, let's call it meter reading week. There's no problem doing this a few days before, it makes very little tangible difference and you don't actually need to submit your meter reading on the day, most firms will let you submit it afterwards and backdate it.
"It makes it much easier and more importantly there are many vulnerable people who are struggling right now and looking to their energy firms to help and I don't want to down all the phone lines, so if I'm honest I am doing a little bit of social engineering here by saying take the pressure off the day and let's spread it over a week and it should be less hassle."
He said those with working smart or pre-pay meters "don't need to bother" but warned they should take a picture for their own record and for back-up. In a final bit of advice, Martin said: "Communicate with your energy firm, don’t just not pay, tell them.
"If they are not giving you the help that you want, speak to Citizens Advice. There is some help out there and you should check what is available."
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