Households without a smart meter are urged to jot down their meter reading by the end of today and submit it as soon as possible to avoid facing a higher charge.
From January 1, the Ofgem energy price cap will rise to £1,738 per year for a typical household paying by direct debit.
This marks a 1.2 per cent increase from the previous cap of £1,717, which was in effect from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Household energy bills will jump by £21 as a result of the price cap rise, stretching affordability for the most cash-strapped homes. Bills are already about 50 per cent higher than pre-Covid levels.
However, the bill could be even higher for households without smart meters as they are typically billed based on estimated usage, which can lead to inaccuracies such as overpayment.
This is why energy companies urged Britons to submit their readings by today to avoid being charged at the new, higher rate for energy used before the price cap increase.
Household energy bills will jump by £21 as a result of Ofgem’s energy price cap rise
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As Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, explained: “If you don’t submit readings, the supplier may assume more of your usage was during the pricier period, potentially costing you more”.
Thankfully, most providers allow you to backdate your reading within a few days of the rate change on 1 January so there’s time left.
However, make sure to note down the actual meter reading by the end of today. This will strengthen your case if there’s any dispute or if you need to submit it later than the deadline, says the Money Saving Expert‘s website.
“Take a photo for extra peace of mind,” it adds.
How much time do you have left?
Each energy supplier has a different policy regarding late meter readings, with some giving you more time to backdate your reading than others.
| Supplier | How can I give a meter reading? | Will it backdate meter readings after 1 January? |
| British Gas | In your online account, via its app, a web form or over the phone on 0330 054 5340 (24 hours a day). | Yes, until 14 January |
| EDF Energy | In your online account, via its app, via an online form, or by email, WhatsApp, text or over the phone. | Yes, until 9 January |
| E.on Next | In your online account, via its app, by email or over the phone. | Yes, until 6 January |
| Octopus Energy | In your online account, via its web form, its app or by email. | Yes, until 8 January |
| Ovo Energy | In your online account, via its app or over the phone. | Yes, until 11 January |
| Scottish Power | In your online account, via its app or over the phone (0800 027 8000), 24 hours a day. | Yes, until 5 January |
| So Energy | In your online account, by email or over the phone, 24 hours a day. | Yes, if you have proof of the date you took the reading |
| Utility Warehouse | In your online account, via its app or over the phone. | The supplier is encouraging customers to give meter readings in the five days leading up to 1 January |
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Indeed, energy bills are set to rise again in April 2025 in another blow to millions of Britons
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Get proactive
For future price cap changes, set reminders well in advance. Regular meter readings throughout the year can also help maintain accuracy in billing.
Indeed, energy bills are set to rise again in April 2025 in another blow to millions of Britons, with Cornwall Insights forecasting the price cap will reach £1,785 for a typical dual-fuel household.
The predicted increase represents nearly a three per cent rise from January’s cap of £1,738.
Ofgem is also likely to extend the Supplier Bad Debt Allowance beyond March, which currently adds approximately £30 per year to bills.
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