A MAJOR energy supplier has warned customers when they should take a meter reading to avoid facing unexpected bills.
Millions of households must submit a meter reading to ensure their British Gas bill is accurate amid the fresh energy price cap.
The energy supplier confirmed that to have an accurate price reading, the final date to submit an energy reading is October 14.
However, you should aim to take the reading as close to the price cap change as you can, which was revealed on October 1.
British Gas customers can technically take and submit meter readings anytime, but doing it any point after October 14 might mean their next bill is estimated.
The new energy price cap, which limits the amount that can be charged, will be around 10% higher than the current level which has been in place since July.
A household in England, Wales and Scotland using a typical amount of gas and electricity will now see their annual bill rise by about £149 to £1,717.
The price cap makes sure that prices for people on a standard variable tariff are fair and that they reflect the cost of energy.
The way it is calculated is based largely on the current wholesale energy prices, as well as other factors such as network, operating and policy costs, and VAT.
The energy price cap changes every 3 months – in June, the cap fell to the lowest level in two years, from £1,690 to the current rate of £1,568.
However, from October 1, Ofgem, which sets the limit, revealed that bills will rise from £1,568 to £1,717.
Households will have until October 14 to submit the reading from the first day of the month – meaning they must remember to take the reading on October 1.
Customers will be able to submit their readings via their online account, the British Gas mobile app, or an automated line.
If you are concerned about the new price cap, British Gas have also been working to provide support for households through their Families and Individual Support Fund.
This is for British Gas customers and non customers who are in debt over their energy bill.
To apply, go to the British Gas fund or search “British Gas Support Fund” where the eligibility requirements are detailed.
Who should submit a meter reading?
Households who are on an SVT should submit regular meter readings to prevent their supplier estimating their usage.
In total, there are around 28 million SVT users in the UK.
For these households it is especially important to submit a meter reading now, to avoid any disputes when the price cap comes into effect.
If your bill’s not accurate, you could be charged more than you should – and if you’re charged less, you could end up owing money down the line.
Meanwhile, customers with smart meters do not need to submit a reading, as this is automatically sent by the device.
And those on prepayment plans or fixed rates also do not need to worry, as their bill is either predetermined, or their rate is locked in for the duration of their deal.
If you are unsure what plan you are on, go to your suppliers website or revisit paperwork from when you began your energy package.
What is the deadline for other suppliers?
EDF
EDF customers will be able to back date their meter reads at any time up to and including Wednesday October 9.
They can submit meter reads through the EDF App, their online MyAccount, or via telephone, email, text and WhatsApp.
Octopus
If you’re a customer with Octopus Energy, you should register your meter reading on, or close to, the exact date October 1 if you want an accurate figure.
Scottish Power
Scottish Power has no deadline for meter readings. Customers can update meter readings as and when they wish to provide them.
If you are on a standard variable or default tariff with Scottish Power, then the energy price cap will automatically apply.
However, if your prices need to increase as a result, there’s no need to contact them.
Scottish Power said: “We’ll write to you by letter or email to let you know what your new prices will be before the change takes place.”
Ovo Energy
Ovo Energy customers can submit their meter readings via the app, online account, phone, Whatsapp or webchat at any time, however the closer to the bill date the customer provides their bill date, the less of the bill will need to be estimated.
For accurate bills, Ovo recommends customers opt for a smart meter.
Utilita
Utilita said that “the vast majority of Utilita customers – in excess of 90% – don’t have to worry about the hassle of submitting meter readings because they have a smart meter”
If you aren’t sure of the deadline for your supplier, review the conditions of your arrangement via the company website or paperwork.
To be safe, we recommend you submit the reading on or before October 1 anyway, so you don’t risk missing the deadline.
How do I calculate my energy bill?
BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill.
To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type.
The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/kWh.The standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year – irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity.
You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill.
Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately.
Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type – this will give you your usage costs.
You’ll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage – this will then give you your annual costs.
Divide this figure by 12, and you’ll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1.
What is the British Gas Support Fund?
If you are concerned about facing the new price cap this winter, British Gas has reopened its Individual and Families support fund.
The trust has helped more than 21,000 British customers in the past, with energy debt write off grants of up to £2,000.00.
Their current package is bigger than ever, with over £140 million set aside to help those who are struggling financially.
Unlike many other supplier grants, The British Gas scheme extends to both British Gas customers and non-customers.
However, there are certain requirements to be eligible for the fund.
Pre-payment meter customers must be within £50 and £1,700 of energy debt.
They must also live in England, Scotland or Wales, and have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years.
It is recommended that customers from companies with hardship funds first seek assistance from their own schemes.
The applicant must be able to show a sustainable position moving forward.
If you are eligible, British Gas can offer:
- Free energy grants
- Energy advice for vulnerable households
- Tailored support for households and small business customers
- Funding for small businesses and charities
Scottish power, Utilita, EDF, E.ON and Utility Warehouse are also offering support schemes for their customers.
Go to your energy provider’s website to learn what help is available.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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