Energy experts are urging households to submit a meter reading today (September 30), the last day before Ofgem's new price cap comes into force tomorrow (Thursday, October 1). Homeowners are also being encouraged to check their tariff and understand how future cap changes could affect what they pay.
Price Cap Rise Confirmed
Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will rise by 4% from October 1 to December 31, 2026, raising the typical annual dual-fuel bill for a household paying by Direct Debit from £1,663 to £1,723. The cap limits the maximum unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on default tariffs, but it is not a cap on the total amount households can pay.
The increase comes as wholesale gas prices remain high. Ofgem cites continued volatility in global gas markets as the main driver of the rise.
Experts' Advice on Meter Readings
Commenting on the increase, and the steps homeowners should take today, Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Go.Compare, said: "When the price cap changes, it’s a good idea to take a meter reading as close as possible to the new rates coming into effect, and send this to your energy supplier."
"This gives your provider a clear record of what you used before the new prices started, which helps make sure any energy you use before October 1 is charged at the current rate, before the higher cap is applied. If you have a smart meter, your readings should automatically be sent to your supplier, but it’s still worth checking that your account is up to date."
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, has also previously advised households to take a timestamped photograph of their energy meters whenever Ofgem introduces a new price cap. He explains that doing so effectively "draws a line in the sand," creating undeniable, dated evidence of your exact energy consumption before prices change.
On the MSE website, his team advises: "The easiest way is to take a picture of your meters, so you have the readings to hand. Then you can log in to your online account and enter the readings."
Martin Lewis himself previously said: "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."
Because energy supplier websites often crash on meter reading days due to high traffic, Lewis has also previously emphasised that you do not need to panic or submit the reading immediately. Instead, snapping a quick photo lets you store the proof safely, email yourself a copy for backup, and upload the numbers online a few days later, when the rush has eased.
How to Take an Energy Meter Reading
Digital meters: Write down the first five numbers shown on the screen from left to right. If it is a multi-rate or Economy 7 meter (showing day and night rates), press the display button to cycle through and record both readings separately.
Smart meters: Smart meters send readings automatically, but if you need a manual check, wake the screen by pressing the 'A' or 'B' button. For electricity, look for code IMP or Rate 01 Act Imp. For gas, look for Meter Index or press the button to display the current volume.
Dial meters: Read the five dials from left to right (ignoring any red/fractional dials). If a pointer sits between two numbers, record the lower number. Keep in mind that adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions.
Gas meters: Record the first five numbers (metric, showing m³) or first four numbers (imperial, older style) from left to right.
What the Cap Means for Your Bill
Gareth Kloet added: "The price cap is reviewed quarterly by Ofgem and limits the unit rates and standing charges suppliers can charge customers on standard variable or default tariffs. It’s important to remember that it isn’t a cap on your total bill - what you pay will still depend on how much energy you use, where you live and how you pay."
"Customers on fixed tariffs will not be affected by the October price cap rise unless their deal is due to end and they move onto a default tariff. If that applies to you, it can be a good idea to switch to another tariff straightaway. Check when your current deal finishes, look at any exit fees, compare the unit rates and standing charges on any new tariff, and make sure you’re comfortable with the terms before switching."
Gareth Kloet says future price caps can rise or fall depending on what happens in the wholesale energy market, so billpayers shouldn’t assume that costs will move in one direction only. The cap is reviewed every three months, which means households on default tariffs could see their bills change again at the next review.
He says keeping an eye on your usage, checking whether your current tariff still works for you and submitting regular meter readings can all help you stay in control if prices move again. He also said that if you are worried about paying your bill, contact your supplier as soon as possible, as they may be able to offer support or help you set up a payment plan.
There are also small day-to-day changes that can help households reduce their usage, such as only boiling the water you need, batch cooking where possible, using homemade draught excluders, and switching appliances off standby.
