Submit meter readings before June 30 to avoid overcharge

Households are being urged to submit meter readings by midnight June 30 <i>(Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)</i>
Households are being urged to submit meter readings by midnight June 30 (Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)
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Households are being urged to submit meter readings ahead of the new Ofgem price cap.

Advice Direct Scotland, which operates the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is warning that consumers risk being overcharged unless they act by midnight on June 30.

Those with smart meters should ensure their devices are functioning correctly.

Accurate readings will prevent energy suppliers from estimating usage and charging based on the old, higher prices after June 30.


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From July 1, Ofgem's cap on what suppliers can charge will be reduced from £1,849 to £1,720, a seven per cent drop which will see average annual bills fall by about £122.

However, this is still £582 more than what households were paying before the energy crisis in autumn 2021.

Advice Direct Scotland also advises households to check if better tariffs are available, although many of the most value-for-money deals are aimed at more affluent customers or those with a smart meter.

The next cap update will be announced by Ofgem in August, with forecasts indicating a further fall.

Despite the drop, the charity warns that many people are still struggling with record levels of debt.

Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Lower gas and electricity prices will come as a relief for households, but bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began.

"It’s important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent being overcharged.

"Struggling customers should know they do not have to suffer in silence.

"Our expert team is on hand for anyone who needs help, no matter their circumstances.

"However, a longer-term solution to the scourge of fuel poverty is a UK-wide social energy tariff, which would automatically put vulnerable people on the cheapest deals."

Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot or on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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