With energy bills set to skyrocket across the UK from October 1, people are being urged to submit a meter reading to avoid being overcharged for their energy.
However, while people may be anxious about rising bills, it's important to avoid the temptation of providing a false meter reading to your supplier in an attempt to be charged less. The energy price cap will be increased and frozen at £2,500 from Saturday for the next two years.
While it is less than what households would have originally paid if the freeze wasn't implemented, it is still a dramatic increase compared to last winter's energy bills. Providing an accurate reading on the eve of the price increase will tell suppliers exactly how much energy you used at the previous rate, meaning you will get a more accurate bill.
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Providing a false reading to try and get a cheaper bill could land you in a lot of trouble. In fact, doing so is considered fraud and is highly illegal.
According to Crown Energy's website: "Gas meter fraud, also known as gas meter cheating, involves sidestepping or falsifying the gas meter so that it doesn’t record the true amount of gas being consumed. Tampering with the meter is effectively cheating the meter as it gives false results so that you pay less (or nothing) for gas usage."
Providing a false electric or gas meter reading intentionally can result in a huge fine or even imprisonment. If you believe that you are going to struggle with your energy bills throughout the winter, there is a wide range of support available.
For example, the government will be introducing the Energy Bills Support Scheme throughout the 2022/23 winter period which will provide a small discount on your bills. For more information on what support you may be entitled to, check the government website here .
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