UK households are being urged to take a photograph of their energy meters before July 1 as the Ofgem price cap rises. The guidance has been backed by Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis, who has previously shared similar advice.
Expert Warns Against Common Mistake
Energy consultant Justin Nielsen warns that the biggest mistake people make is assuming suppliers will automatically know their energy consumption before and after the price change. Without an accurate meter reading, households risk being charged at incorrect rates when bills are estimated.
"The one thing I would tell every household to do before July 1 is take a clear meter reading and keep a photo of it," Nielsen said. "It takes less than five minutes, but it gives you a record of exactly where your usage stood before the new rates came in."
Who Needs to Act?
The advice is particularly crucial for households without smart meters, those with faulty smart meters, or anyone who has received estimated bills. Nielsen warns that estimated readings could push cheaper pre-July usage into the more expensive post-July period.
How to Take a Reading
Households should photograph both gas and electricity meters, taking readings as close to July 1 as possible. For standard meters, write down numbers from left to right, ignoring red digits or decimal points.
Even smart meter users should check their accounts, as some devices lose communication or fail to transmit data properly. Nielsen advises using the price cap change as a prompt to review tariffs and energy habits, warning that summer appliances like fans and air conditioning can drive up costs unexpectedly.
"My advice is simple: take the reading, submit it, photograph it and check your next bill," Nielsen concluded.
