People desperately trying to submit meter readings ahead of the energy price hike have been left infuriuated after being unable to do so on a number of websites.
Scottish Power, British Gas, EDP and Shell Energy customers have all struggled to submit readings on the companies' websites and apps, as well as on their mobile phones. It comes after Martin Lewis issued urgent advice to people warning them to take meter readings on March 31.
Energy prices are set to soar tomorrow and the Money Saving Expert has told people to inform their energy providers how much electricity and gas they are using before April 1, with Ofgem set to increase its price cap tomorrow. For those on a default tariff who are paying by direct debit, the price cap will increase by up to almost £700.
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However, submitting meter readings on the day dubbed 'Meter Reading Day' has proved easier said than done with people ranting on Twitter to various energy providers on their struggles to inform companies of their latest gas and electricity readings.
@LindsayW__ reached out directly to Shell Energy and posted on Twitter: "@ShellEnergyHome Hi there, I was wondering when your website maintenance will be complete? I am looking to submit a meter reading today ahead of price increases tomorrow (I'm sure lots of your customers are also). Your app isn't working either. Thanks for info. @MoneySavingExp."
@didds62 furiously tweeted: "As advised by Martin Lewis trying to submit a meter reading TODAY. Shell energy app "having trouble establishing a connection". how convenient for them.
@ChrisHammy5 seemed to barely be able to contain his fury, commenting: "Dear @ShellEnergyHome Is there any reason, whatsoever, why your app won’t allow me to log in to submit meter readings today?! I can not believe a multi-billion ££ company is taking advantage of middle and low income families during this energy crisis. You should be ashamed."
@Yiddogray responded: "I’m guessing the UK is currently attempting to do a meter reading and the site is f***. Photos and email them is a good start." @martin_j_evans was equally as frustrated, writing: "@ShellEnergyHome Not funny. Wanted to submit a meter reading and your website is down. What a surprise."
Shell Energy has since apologised to customers via their social media accounts, with the firm saying it is working on fixing the problem.
Shortly after Shell customers' difficulties began, other energy companies seemed to experience the same issues with customers becoming increasingly desperate, with British Gas, EDF and Scottish Power among those affected.
@mikeystanners wrote: "Every man and his dog must be trying to log into energy sites today to submit meter readings…@BritishGas has website issues already!" @successfulsw added: "EDF energy's website has fallen over as everyone tries to enter their meter readings. Could they have not have predicted this? Duh."
@CatrinTynbraich said: "@ScottishPower Helo Scottish Power. With the HUGE increase in electricity bills going on tomorrow, could you please make sure that your website is working so that we can put in our PROPER meter reading in? My bills are doubling I can't afford to pay for your estimates. Thank you."
Have you struggled to submit your meter readings? Let us know in the comments below.
