Do an energy meter reading before THIS date or you risk paying too much on bills, households warned
Nine million households must report their energy meter readings before January 1 to avoid paying too much on their bills, the findings warn.
Comparison website Uswitch says Brits are at risk of collectively overpaying £66 million if accurate meter readings are not provided.
This is because their suppliers bill them based on estimates, which are often higher.
In November, Ofgem said the price cap will increase to £1,738 per year from January 1, 2025 for an average household using both electricity and gas.
Homes with standard variable rates and without a smart meter are at risk of having some of their energy consumption assessed and potentially charged at new, higher rates unless they provide a meter reading on or before January 1.
The difference for a week’s worth of energy at January rates compared to December averages £6.67 per home, making a total of £66 million across Britain.
Meter readings: Nine million households must report these before January 1
About 14 percent of Brits who had to report meter readings said they were unsure how to do it, while 12 percent said they didn’t know where their meter was, Uswitch said.
According to the research, households with typical energy consumption will spend £165 on energy in January due to higher consumption and tariffs, compared to £135 in December.
Elsie Melville, energy expert at Uswitch, said: ‘Customers who do not have a smart meter should aim to submit their readings before or on Wednesday 1 January so that their supplier has an up-to-date – and accurate – view of their bill.
‘If you leave it later, some of your energy use may be estimated in December and therefore charged under the higher January rates.
‘This is also an ideal time to look at switching to a new energy tariff as there are currently a range of fixed deals available that are cheaper than the January price cap.
‘By choosing a fixed deal, you lock in those rates for the entire duration, which means that households can have price certainty and avoid the ups and downs of the price cap.
‘Make sure you are satisfied with the term of the contract and any exit costs in the event of early departure.’
EOn told its customers: ‘Customers on a standard variable tariff, such as Next Flex, who do not have a smart meter must provide a meter reading before January 5 to avoid the supplier having to make a consumption estimate.’
Industry analyst Cornwall Insight has predicted the price cap will rise by 1 per cent to £1,762 in April.
This would mark a third consecutive increase in standard rates for households, following the 1 percent increase in January and 10 percent in October.
Regulator Ofgem has urged households to take advantage of the increasing choice in the market and shop for the best deal to keep their bills low.
A fixed energy deal, as opposed to an SVT, could help some households save money on their bills and help ensure rates are cheaper than the January price cap.
However, some fixed tariffs are more expensive than simply sticking to an energy tariff capped by the Ofgem price cap.
Among other methods, draught-proofing your home, reducing the flow rate of your boiler and installing thermostatic radiator valves can all help keep your bills under control despite rising bills.
> How to save money on energy: read our essential guide