Millions of British households are being urged to take a simple 30-second action that could shield them from crippling energy overpayments this spring. With the Ofgem energy price cap falling by an average of 12.3% on April 1st, failing to submit a final meter reading could see you charged at the higher rate for energy you've used after the deadline.
Time is of the essence. Energy experts are clear: providing an up-to-date meter reading around the switch-off date is the single most effective way to ensure your bills are accurate. Without it, your supplier will have to estimate your usage, and you risk being charged at the old, more expensive rate for power consumed after the price drops.
How the April 1st Price Change Affects You
The new cap, set by regulator Ofgem, means the typical annual dual-fuel bill will fall to £1,690, a significant drop from the current £1,928. This change reflects a welcome decrease in wholesale energy prices. However, this lower rate only applies to energy used from April 1st onwards.
The critical mistake? If you don't submit a meter reading close to April 1st, your supplier's estimated usage might incorrectly bill some of your cheaper April energy at March's expensive rates. This simple error could add unnecessary pounds to your bill.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Reading
Submitting your reading is straightforward and can be done in minutes. Here’s how to do it for any major supplier:
- Find your meter: Locate your electricity and gas meters. For traditional meters, you'll see a row of digits. Ignore any numbers in red or after a decimal point.
- Take a clear photo: Snap a picture of the readings for your records—this can be handy if any issues arise.
- Submit online or via app: Log in to your online account or your provider's app. Navigate to the 'submit meter reading' section and enter the numbers.
- Alternative methods: You can also submit your reading over the phone or through some suppliers' WhatsApp services.
What About Smart Meter Users?
If you have a smart meter, you're largely in the clear. These devices automatically send half-hourly readings to your supplier, ensuring your bill is always accurate and based on real usage, not estimates. You do not need to manually submit a reading.
Why This Simple Action is a Financial No-Brainer
This isn't about a tiny discount. For many families, submitting a reading could be the difference between an accurate, fair bill and one that is artificially inflated. It ensures you only pay the higher rate for the energy you actually used during the higher-rate period.
With the cost of living still putting pressure on budgets, taking this small, free step is one of the easiest wins for your wallet this year. Don't let your hard-earned money vanish into an estimated bill—grab your reading and submit it today.
