Households urged to take a meter reading on Thursday 31st March before the energy price cap rise bites to ensure they're not overcharged.
GoCompare has called on people to make gas and electricity reading on that day to ensure they are not charged higher rates for energy used before 1 April, when the cap on duel-fuel tariffs goes up by nearly £700 on average.
This is a record increase and means a typical bill payer using a direct debit could pay £1,971 for their gas and electricity, while homes on a pre-payment meter will have to fork out an average of £2,017.
Gareth Kloet, GoCompare's energy spokesman, said: 'The cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone – so if there's a way to shave money off your bills this April, we would urge all bill payers to take both gas and electricity meter readings on 31 March and make sure you submit these to your supplier.
'And if you pay by direct debit, it might also be a good time to look at revising your monthly payments to take into account the higher rates.'
Following Ofgem's announcement in February, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed a £9billion package of measures that includes a £200 upfront discount on bills in October that must be paid back in instalments of £40 over five years.
On top of that, English council taxpayers in bands A to D will get a rebate of £150 next month, local authorities will get £150million in central government funding to distribute to the neediest people, and the Warm Homes Discount is being extended to 3 million properties.
Your supplier needs regular readings from your gas or electricity meter to work out your bills. If you don’t send them readings, they’ll estimate your usage. This means your bill might be too high or low.
Call your supplier to give them the readings - or check if you can submit one on their website or app.
GoCompare has called on people to make gas and electricity reading on that day to ensure they are not charged higher rates for energy used before 1 April, when the cap on duel-fuel tariffs goes up by nearly £700 on average.
This is a record increase and means a typical bill payer using a direct debit could pay £1,971 for their gas and electricity, while homes on a pre-payment meter will have to fork out an average of £2,017.
Gareth Kloet, GoCompare's energy spokesman, said: 'The cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone – so if there's a way to shave money off your bills this April, we would urge all bill payers to take both gas and electricity meter readings on 31 March and make sure you submit these to your supplier.
'And if you pay by direct debit, it might also be a good time to look at revising your monthly payments to take into account the higher rates.'
Following Ofgem's announcement in February, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed a £9billion package of measures that includes a £200 upfront discount on bills in October that must be paid back in instalments of £40 over five years.
You can find more information on that here, being discussed by hotukdeals members
On top of that, English council taxpayers in bands A to D will get a rebate of £150 next month, local authorities will get £150million in central government funding to distribute to the neediest people, and the Warm Homes Discount is being extended to 3 million properties.
You can find more information on that here, being discussed by hotukdeals members
How do i read a Gas or Electricity Meter?
Your supplier needs regular readings from your gas or electricity meter to work out your bills. If you don’t send them readings, they’ll estimate your usage. This means your bill might be too high or low.
Call your supplier to give them the readings - or check if you can submit one on their website or app.
If you can’t get to your meter, your energy supplier might be able to give you extra help to read or move your meter. You can check if you can get extra help from your energy supplier.
If you have a smart meterSmart meters are different to standard meters - they normally send readings to your supplier automatically.
You’ll normally also get a portable device called an ‘in-home display’ - this shows how much you’re spending on your energy.
Find out how to:
More information (Source Citizen Advice)
Other threads could help you cut costs:
Save money at the pump
Source on Meter readings info