Energy regulator Ofgem has issued advice to consumers who are experiencing issues with submitting their meter readings. It comes just a day before energy bills are set to skyrocket due to an increase in the energy cap for suppliers.
Many customers are scrambling to submit their meter readings to mitigate the risk of spending more money on the electricity they have used before the price hike. Unfortunately, the high volume of web traffic has led to some energy suppliers see their websites and apps crash, leaving customers unable to submit their readings.
Some of the country's most popular energy suppliers have seen their websites crash, including British Gas, E.On and Scottish Power. Ofgem is now offering advice to consumers who are struggling with submitting their readings and have noted they are "engaging with suppliers on the issue".
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The energy regulator said on Twitter: "We are aware some energy suppliers are having trouble with their websites today, affecting people being able to submit meter readings or access their online account. We are engaging with suppliers on the issue.
"Consumers who experience issues should contact their supplier straight away, and take a picture of their meter reading if high contact volumes mean they are unable to get through. Suppliers must take all reasonable steps to provide ways for consumers to access their account information, including submitting meter reading."
Earlier today, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis tweeted: "I'm getting many many reports of people struggling to submit meter readings. The volume isn't unexpected.
"Firms should've been better prepared. It's not good enough @ofgem please can you look into this."
A spokesman from EDF said the supplier was aware of the technical issues affecting its online services. "We are working hard to try and resolve this and would encourage customers to try again later and apologise for the inconvenience this is causing," they said.
British Gas has also released a message on its website stating "some technical issues we're trying to resolve as quickly as possible."
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