Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued a critical plea to millions of households across the UK, warning that failure to act before Sunday could lead to substantial and unnecessary increases in their energy bills.
The urgency stems from the latest Ofgem energy price cap change, which comes into effect on Monday, July 1st. While the cap is falling for a typical dual-fuel household, individual bills are calculated based on actual energy usage.
Why This Weekend is Crucial
Submitting an accurate meter reading around the date of the price change ensures your energy provider knows exactly how much power you used under the old, higher rate, and what is used under the new, lower rate. Without this, your supplier will estimate your usage, which could potentially lump more of your consumption into the higher-priced period.
"The price cap change means for every unit of energy you use, you will pay less from Monday than you do today," explained Martin Lewis on his ITV show. "If you don't give a meter reading, your firm will guess your usage. And if it overestimates how much you used before the price drop, you'll be overcharged."
How to Protect Yourself from Overcharging
Taking a meter reading is a simple but vital task. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find your meter: It's usually in a cupboard, under the stairs, or outside your home.
- Record the numbers: Write down the numbers shown on your electricity and gas meters. Ignore any numbers in red or after a decimal point.
- Submit the reading: The easiest way is usually via your supplier's app or website. You can also phone it in.
Lewis emphasised that this action is especially important for those without smart meters that send automatic readings. He recommends taking a photo of the meter as proof, just in case.
A Nationwide Call to Action
This isn't just a minor saving. For families with typical usage, the potential overcharge could amount to hundreds of pounds over the year. With many still struggling with the cost of living, this proactive step is a powerful way to ensure you only pay for what you actually use.
The message is clear: don't leave it to chance. Take five minutes this weekend to submit your meter readings and safeguard your wallet.
