Read Your Meter Day Is the 30th September 2022
The unofficial 2nd National Read Your Meter Day has arrived, and its a really good idea to submit your energy readings to your supplier, even if you are on a 'Smart Meter'
With the increase in your energy bills taking effect from Saturday the 1st of October, which have been capped by the government, meaning the average household should expect bills of around £2,500, for the next two years, you want to be making sure that your supplier has the latest meter reading, to ensure that they don't bill you any of the September, cheaper energy, at the more expensive October pricing!
In theory, you should submit your readings to your supplier at 11:59 pm on the 30th of September to ensure that your usage information is spot on but realistically, submit it as late as you can. If you don't manage to submit it for a day or so, it's not the end of the world, but hey, every little helps!
On the last meter reading day, back in March, many supplier websites and apps went down due to the large number of people submitting readings. Still, hopefully, the energy companies are better prepared this time, and you shouldn't have the same issue.
British Gas and other companies have told customers they have up to a week to submit their readings, so long as they were taken before October 1st.
You should look to submit your readings, even if on a smart meter, as there can be slight differences between your readings and that of the smart meter, so for the sake of a couple of minutes of your time, it's worth getting those meters read!
What If you can't pay?
Contact your supplier as soon as you can if you are worried about paying your energy bills or are in debt to your supplier.
Suppliers must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules. This includes reviewing a plan you have agreed on before.
You can ask for:
a review of your payments and debt repayments
payment breaks or reductions
more time to pay
access to hardship funds
advice on how to use less energy Priority Service registration – a free support service if you are in a vulnerable situation.
From suppliers Many energy companies offer schemes or grants to help with home heating and energy costs. For example, by making your home more energy-efficient or offering free boiler checks and upgrades. You don’t have to be a customer to join some of these schemes. Citizens Advice lists grants some larger suppliers offer. Talk to your supplier about grants and schemes they run too. From the government You might qualify for the following:
Winter Fuel Payment – for people born on or before 25 September 1956.
Cold Weather Payment – a £25 payment for every 7 days of very cold weather (below freezing) between November and March.
Warm Home Discount – a £150 discount for some people getting Pension Credit or some people in low-income households.
If you live in Scotland or Wales;
Child Winter Heating Assistance - A £214.10 annual payment per disabled child and young person under 19 living in Scotland.
Winter fuel support scheme - A £200 annual payment for Welsh households in receipt of certain benefits.
Grants & Schemes
The government’s Fuel Direct Scheme can also help you repay a debt from benefit payments. Contact Jobcentre Plus (or your pension centre if you’re on Pension Credit) to apply. The government has also set out a package of support to help households with rising energy costs in 2022/23. From charities
Charis has information on grants some charities offer and how to apply. Turn2us has a benefits calculator and grants search tool to help you find out what support you can get alongside adviser locator tools. They also have information on benefits and information on help with paying energy and water bills.
Get debt advice You can find advice on managing debt problems and budgeting through the:
Money Advice Service
National Debtline
StepChange Debt Charity
Start by working out which debts you need to deal with first. Priority debts can cause serious problems if you can’t do anything about them. They include things like your energy bills, rent or mortgage and council tax. You can learn more about working out priorities and other debts on the Citizens Advice website. Their budgeting tool can also help you manage your finances.