Energy Tariff Increase from October 1: How to Submit Meter Readings.

According to The Sun: Next week, many households in the UK are expecting a rise in their energy bills.

From October 1, over 22 million Britons will notice their gas and electricity costs have risen by £35, bringing it to £1755 per year, according to the price cap set by regulator Ofgem.

If you are on a standard variable tariff, you should submit your meter readings to your energy supplier as soon as possible to avoid even higher bills.

Your meter readings indicate how much energy you are consuming, so ensure that you provide only accurate information and pay the new increased rates as soon as they come into effect from October 1.

If you do not submit your meter readings by the deadline, your supplier may use estimated data to calculate the amount you owe, and you risk overpaying.

For households with smart meters, there is no need to submit readings manually, as the device sends them automatically.

“Households, in the coming days, need to find time to take their energy meter readings to avoid the possibility of being charged at new higher energy tariffs in October,” says energy expert from USwitch Ben Galizzi.

“Customers without smart meters should submit their readings by or before October 1, so their supplier has updated and accurate information on their account.”

Although the new price cap will come into effect at midnight on October 1, the deadlines for submitting meter readings vary from supplier to supplier.

Several companies also allow retroactive submissions, so you can do it later.

British Gas

British Gas customers have until October 14 to submit their meter readings.

The easiest way to do this is through online accounts or the British Gas mobile app.

You can also submit readings over the phone by calling 0330 054 5340.

Octopus Energy

Octopus customers have until October 8 to submit meter readings.

They can submit readings via their online account or the Octopus app, or through the online form on their website, or by emailing [email protected].

E.ON Next

E.ON customers have until October 6 to submit their meter readings.

The energy company has stated that anyone on a standard variable tariff without a smart meter must submit readings between September 26 and October 6 to avoid the risk of overpaying.

The quickest and easiest way to submit readings is through your online account.

EDF Energy

EDF customers should submit their readings by October 9.

This can be done online by logging into their EDF account or through the EDF app.

OVO Energy

OVO customers have until October 11 to submit their meter readings.

Readings can be sent via the OVO app or your online account. They can also use web chat or call 0330 175 9676.

Scottish Power

Scottish Power customers must submit their readings by October 5.

These can be entered in the online account or through the Scottish Power app, or by calling the automated meter reading service at 0800 027 8000.

How to Take Readings

The easiest way to take readings is to photograph your gas and electricity meters.

This can serve as proof in case of a dispute.

If you have an electric meter, you will see a row of six digits – five black and one red.

Record the five black digits, displayed from left to right.

For a traditional round meter, read the first five dials from left to right.

If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number. If it's between nine and zero, write down nine.

For gas meters, record the first five digits shown before the decimal point.

Digital imperial meters have four black digits and two red.

How to Lower Your Energy Bill

As the colder winter months approach, millions of households are preparing for higher energy bills.

According to USwitch data, households on standard tariffs using typical energy volumes are expected to spend £140 on energy in October, compared to £63 in September.

“It’s worth checking if your supplier offers any free tariff options during low usage periods that could save you a lot of money,” adds USwitch expert Mr. Galizzi.

If you are on a standard variable tariff, consider switching to a fixed rate to protect yourself from future price increases.

“Energy bill payers can prepare for price increases in October by locking in prices now.”

“Currently, there are several fixed-rate tariffs that are roughly £215 cheaper than the price cap in October for the average household.”

“If you can switch to a tariff cheaper than the price cap in October, now is a great time to do so. We urge customers to compare energy deals as soon as possible,” adds Mr. Galizzi.

Are you facing financial difficulties that need addressing? Write to [email protected].

You can also join our Facebook group Sun Money Chats and Tips to share your tips and stories.

As the cold weather approaches, it’s important to be prepared for rising tariffs and look for ways to save. One option is to check for potential fixed-rate tariffs that can offer some protection against further price fluctuations. Don’t forget to submit your meter readings on time to avoid unnecessary costs.