Customers of every major energy supplier, including British Gas, EDF, EON, Octopus Energy, and OVO, are being urged to take a photo of their energy meter before midnight on Tuesday, June 30, to avoid potential overcharging when the Ofgem energy price cap increases on Wednesday, July 1.
Price Cap Increase of 13%
The Ofgem price cap is set to rise from £1,641 to £1,862 for an average household with typical use, representing a 13% increase from midnight on Wednesday. This cap applies to unit rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for standard tariff customers, who still comprise most UK households. It is not a cap on total spending; higher usage means higher bills.
Risk of Overcharging Without a Meter Reading
If customers use gas and electricity on Tuesday but fail to submit a meter reading, their supplier may assume that usage occurred on Wednesday at the higher rates, leading to overcharges. This is particularly relevant for those on standard variable tariffs without a smart meter that updates instantly.
Money expert Martin Lewis has previously advised customers to photograph their meter with a phone to provide proof of the reading and avoid disputes. Energy firms often rely on estimates, which can result in incorrect billing if usage patterns vary between the two days.
How to Submit Readings
Customers can record a meter reading just before midnight on Tuesday and upload it to their supplier within a few days, backdating it to June 30. Previously, readings had to be submitted immediately, but suppliers now allow a grace period to prevent website crashes from high traffic. Martin Lewis explained on his BBC Sounds and Spotify podcast that backdating is possible, and taking a picture provides extra security. He noted that most people pay by monthly direct debit, smoothing out annual costs, but accurate readings still ensure correct billing.
