The cost of living crisis has put many households' budgets under strain. And one of the worst price hikes is on energy where increases are expected to add £700 to the average household’s yearly electricity and gas bills.
From the start of April, the maximum amount energy suppliers in England, Wales and Scotland are allowed to charge people is being raised – so today is a good day to log in and update your meter reading to prevent being overcharged.
Here’s everything you need to know about taking a meter reading.
Do I need to submit a meter reading?
If you submit a meter reading today, it will stop your energy supplier estimating and charging the energy you used before April at the new higher rate.
Martin Lewis said on ITV: ‘That way you draw a line in the sand that says to your energy firm, I've only used this amount at the cheaper rate. Don't start charging me more on the higher rate and estimating I use some of it afterwards.'
If I have a smart meter do I have to give a meter reading?
Everything is already taken care of for households with a smart meter because readings are regularly taken and automatically sent to their energy supplier. So, there’s no need to join the rush to log in today if you have one.
What do I do if my energy supplier’s website is crashing?
E.On, Shell, British Gas, EDF, Scottish Power, SSE and Octopus Energy have all seen massive surges in users logging in to submit energy meter readings today and many sites have been crashing under the pressure.
If your energy provider’s website has crashed, you can take a photo of your reading alongside something that says the time and date you took the photo. Alternatively, you can submit your reading later tonight when the websites may be less busy.
It's also worth trying energy supplier's automated phone lines or phone apps, which might still be functioning, to submit your latest reading.
How do I take a meter reading?
The way to take a reading varies depending on whether you have a single rate digital, two rate digital or dial electricity meter and changes again for gas. For full instructions on how to read your meter, visit the Citizen’s Advice page here.
READ MORE: Cost Of Living Crisis: Follow This Six-Step Plan To Ease Your Bills