Martin Lewis warns Britons need to do meter reading soon

Martin Lewis has urged Britons to do a meter reading to make sure they benefit from reduced energy rates coming into effect in a few days’ time.

The Ofgem price cap is falling from the start of July, with average bills for a typical household to drop from £2,500 a year to £2,074.

Mr Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, encouraged people to submit a reading to take advantage of the lower rates.

He encouraged people on direct debit to send a reading, saying in a tweet: “With monthly direct debit, firms estimate your usage, and assign it to a certain period, so submitting a reading within a few days of the change (many let you backdate a few days too) reduces the risk of their ‘estimating’ going against against you (though there’s always a chance a discrepancy could end up in your favour).

“Take a pic of the meter for belt ‘n’ braces. Please share with anyone this is relevant to.”

‌People on smart meters will not need to do a reading as their smart meter will automatically send readings to the supplier.

Cornwall Insight has predicted the energy cap will be £1,976 from October 1, before rising up to £2,045 from January 1.

Britons continue to face rising prices for many everyday needs, with the latest figure for inflation remaining at 8.7 percent.

The cost of food is a particular concern as groceries inflation is far outpacing overall inflation.

Several bills went up from April, including energy and water bills, council tax, and mobile and broadband.

Millions of Britons on low incomes are receiving cost of living payments to help towards their energy bills and other essentials.

People on Universal Credit and several other means-tested benefits are getting a £900 cost of living payment, being paid in three instalments.

The first £301 instalment has already been paid with the second £300 payment going out in autumn 2023, and the third £299 payment in spring 2024.

Pensioners who receive the Winter Fuel Payment this coming winter are also to get an additional payment of between £150 and £300.

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