Energy bills are rising from October 1 as Ofgem’s price cap increases from £1,663 to £1,723
UK households are being advised to take a quick photograph of their energy meters at home before Thursday, 1 October, a recommendation backed by Money Saving Expert (MSE) founder Martin Lewis. Energy prices regulated by Ofgem are set to rise at the start of next month, meaning anyone on a standard variable tariff will face increased rates for both gas and electricity.
An energy expert has warned that the biggest mistake customers can make is assuming their supplier automatically records exact usage before and after a price increase. Ben Gallizzi from Uswitch.com explains that submitting a straightforward meter reading prevents billing errors and stops households from being charged at the wrong rate.
He said: “Yet another energy price hike will hit millions next week, at the same time many reach for the thermostat – but there are actions households should be taking. Submitting a meter reading, if you don’t have a smart meter, before or on Thursday, October 1, will ensure the energy used is charged at the correct rates and not estimated by a supplier.
“That same deadline applies for the 15 million households on standard tariffs wanting to beat the hike entirely by locking in a lower-rate fixed deal before energy costs rocket for winter.”
Ben’s guidance echoes advice previously given by Martin Lewis. The personal finance expert has urged homeowners to photograph their meters on multiple occasions, particularly when discussing what he refers to as ‘Meter Reading Day, reports the Mirror.
Martin Lewis has said: “I would still get your phone out and take a picture of your meter today just in case of a future dispute, you don’t need to do anything with it, you might want to email it to yourself so you’ve got proof.”
On the MSE website, the team of specialists also advise: “The easiest way is to take a picture of your meters, so you have the readings to hand. Then you can log in to your online account and enter the readings.”
How much is the price cap increasing in October?
According to Uswitch.com, more than four million households without smart meters need to submit a meter reading before the end of the month to avoid being billed at incorrect rates for energy consumed prior to 1 October. The energy price cap, which sets the maximum rates households on standard tariffs can be charged, will increase by 4% from £1,663 to £1,723 for a typical household on 1 October.
Homes on a standard tariff with average usage are expected to spend £145 on energy in October, compared with £109 in September. The rise of a third is attributable to a combination of greater consumption and higher rates during autumn, when central heating is switched back on.
Without precise and regular meter readings, energy suppliers will be forced to estimate usage before issuing bills. Those on standard tariffs who do not have a smart meter and fail to submit readings on or around 1 October risk having a portion of their September usage incorrectly billed under the newer, costlier rates.
Energy bills could climb even further, with current forecasts suggesting January’s price cap will reach £2,117 – a staggering 23% rise from the October cap. This would mark the third consecutive increase and the largest quarterly leap since the energy crisis.
Why is it important to get an accurate reading?
Ben says: “Predictions currently suggest there will be a third consecutive price hike on the way in January, with rates forecast to jump a staggering 23% in the new year. Not all energy deals are the same, and prices vary wildly, so households should not simply accept the first deal offered by their current supplier.
“It’s vital to compare, and it takes just minutes to see options tailored to your personal energy usage. The price cap is going up, but your rates don’t have to.”
Approximately 15 million households remain on a standard tariff and have just seven days to switch to a cheaper fixed deal ahead of higher energy rates coming into effect on 1 October.
The price rise is avoidable, Ben says, as there are currently fixed energy deals on the market that undercut the new October rates. The most affordable tariff is an 18-month deal from Fuse Energy, priced at £1,688 a year for a typical household, which sits £35 below the October price cap and £429 below the average January forecast.
How to take a smart meter energy reading
Keypad meters: Press the 9 button on the keypad. Wait for the screen to display IMP kWh or KWH, followed by your numbers.
Write them down from left to right. Ignore any numbers after the decimal point.
Meters with an A button: Press and hold or repeatedly press the green A button to cycle through the screens until you see Rate 01 Act Imp or your kWh reading.
Meters with multiple buttons: If your meter has three unmarked buttons, press the middle one until you see IMP. For orange and blue buttons, press the orange one until you see KWH.
How to take a gas meter energy reading
Press the red A button once or twice (or hold it briefly depending on the model) to wake up the screen and display Credit ON or Volume, then press it again to see the index reading in cubic meters (M3).
What about economy 7 or multi-rate meters?
If your tariff tracks day and night usage separately, press the designated button (such as the middle button or 6 on a keypad) repeatedly to cycle through IMP R01 (often night/off-peak) and IMP R02 (often day/peak).
Uswitch’s checklist to keep energy bills as low as possible:
Submit a meter reading: If you don’t have a smart meter, submit your latest readings on or around October 1 to ensure you’re charged the correct amount. You should regularly submit meter readings to avoid over- or underpaying.
Lock in a fixed deal: Standard energy rates will rise for millions in October and most likely again in January. Run a comparison to check your options, and don’t just accept any offer from your supplier. There are a number of fixed tariffs available that significantly undercut the rates households will otherwise pay from January by over £400.
Consider an exclusive tariff: Uswitch and other groups often run collective switches that offer tariffs, which are usually exclusive, to consumers who have signed up in advance.
