UK households have been given a two-week deadline to take a photograph of their energy meters, as the Ofgem energy price cap is set to rise from July 1. The guidance, previously echoed by Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis, aims to prevent billing confusion and overcharging.
Expert Warns Against Assuming Supplier Knows Usage
Energy consultant Justin Nielsen of Wolf River Electric emphasized that a straightforward meter reading can help avoid billing errors. He stated: "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. It takes less than five minutes, but it gives you a record of exactly where your usage stood before the new rates came in."
Nielsen explained that the price cap does not cap total bills, but rather the per-unit charge and standing charge. Accurate readings are crucial to ensure households are billed correctly for energy used before and after the price change.
Martin Lewis's Consistent Advice
Martin Lewis has regularly urged households to capture meter readings, particularly on 'Meter Reading Day'. He previously advised: "I would still get your phone out and take a picture of your meter today just in case of a future dispute. You don't need to do anything with it, you might want to email it to yourself so you've got proof." The Money Saving Expert website also recommends taking a picture and entering the readings online.
Why Take a Meter Reading Before July 1?
When the price cap adjusts, suppliers must split consumption between the old and new rates. Smart meters typically handle this automatically, but households with conventional meters, faulty smart meters, or estimated readings may need to submit manual readings.
Nielsen warned that estimates can lead to errors: "If your supplier does not have an up-to-date reading, they may estimate how much energy you used before the price change and how much came after it. That estimate might be reasonable, but it is still a guess." He added that a photo provides proof and recommended keeping it until the next bill is verified.
Who Should Submit a Meter Reading?
The advice is critical for households without smart meters, those with non-transmitting smart meters, or those who have received estimated bills. It also applies to recent movers, those who switched suppliers, or anyone who noticed incorrect bills. Nielsen urged: "If your bills regularly say 'estimated', you should not wait until the next statement lands. Take control of the reading yourself."
How to Take a Correct Meter Reading
Households should record readings for both gas and electricity. For standard meters, note numbers from left to right, ignoring red digits. For digital meters, press the display button. Prepayment meters may vary, so consult supplier instructions. Nielsen advised: "Do not just scribble the number on a piece of paper and lose it. Take a photo, submit the reading through your supplier's app or website, and keep a note of the confirmation."
He recommended taking the reading as close to July 1 as possible, but not at the last minute if systems are busy. "The best time is usually the evening before or the morning of the change. But if you know you will forget, doing it a day or two earlier is still better than doing nothing," he said.
Smart Meter Households Should Verify
Even with smart meters, Nielsen advised checking that readings are being received: "A smart meter can make this much easier, but I would still log into your account and check that recent readings are actually showing. Some smart meters lose communication, some accounts do not update properly." If a bill says estimated, the smart meter may not be working correctly.
Additional Energy Checks Before July
Nielsen encouraged households to review their tariff, direct debit, and energy usage. He noted that summer bills can be high due to fans, air conditioners, and appliances. "A fan should cool you, not an empty room. If nobody is in there, switch it off. With portable air conditioning, keep doors closed, seal the window properly and do not set the temperature unrealistically low," he advised.
The Simple Rule to Prevent Bill Shock
Nielsen compared taking a meter reading to photographing a car's mileage before selling it: "You are creating a record, and that record protects you if something does not add up later. The most expensive energy mistake is often the one you do not notice straight away." He concluded: "Take the reading, submit it, photograph it and check your next bill. If the reading has not been used, query it straight away. That small bit of admin before July 1 could make the difference between a bill you understand and one you have to fight later."
