Saturday, November 23, 2024

Smart meter warning: British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF, and OVO customers urged to act or risk overpaying bills

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Households are being urged to make sure they do not overpay their energy bills.

Customers across the UK are being urged to submit meter readings before the changes come into effect.


An energy expert has urged British Gas, OVO, EDF, Eon and Octopus customers to make sure they take their meter readings on or before July 1.

The energy price cap will change on Monday, July 1, and households will see their energy bills fall by an average of seven per cent, or £118.30.

Those with a regular meter in their home are urged to submit a reading before June 30 before the new energy price cap is introduced the next day.

Les Roberts, business energy comparison expert at Bionic, said: “On July 1, it’s important that those without a smart meter take a meter reading.

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“This is when the energy price cap change comes into effect and this will result in your bills changing.

“By submitting a reading before the price cap change, it means you are charged the correct amount for exactly how much energy you are using, meaning you know exactly how much you owe and ensure you aren’t overcharged.

“Submitting meter readings is a good habit to get into, and submitting them monthly ensures that your bills are correct, regardless of which tariff you are on.

“Ultimately, the price you pay is determined by how much the energy supplier thinks you are using, so letting them know stops any random guesses and ensures you only pay for what you use.

“If you do spot mistakes from your meter readings to what is on your bills, you can then flag this with your supplier as well.

“If they don’t correct this based on the evidence you have, you can also refer your case to the Energy Ombudsman who will work with the supplier and yourself to resolve the complaint.”

While the average annual energy bill will be £506 cheaper than a year ago from July, prices are still much higher than they were in 2021.

Les added: “When it comes to making the switch to a fixed energy tariff, the most important thing to understand is that price-capped tariffs are variable.

“If you do find a deal with rates below the new price cap rates, then it could be worth considering making the switch as we don’t know what will happen to energy prices in the future.

“However, it’s important to remember that price-capped tariffs change every three months in line with the price cap so a deal that looks good now could end up being more expensive if energy prices drop later in the year.

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“It’s also worth remembering that the notice period for ending your current contract differs between suppliers. It’s worth checking your supplier’s requirements before switching.”

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