Remember to take a meter reading on the 30th September

Go.Compare Energy is warning all bill payers to take a meter reading before the new energy prices come into force on the 1^st October, which will see some households paying 26.8% more for their energy bills.

Gareth Kloet, energy spokesperson for Go.Compare energy, said:

“Earlier this month, Liz Truss announced a price cap of £2,500 on energy bills across the UK, which replaced the original increase to £3,549 that was set by Ofgem in August.

“While this intervention from the government is welcomed and will offer some respite for people across the UK, we have to remember that we will still be paying more for energy, starting on the 1^st of October.

“If you compare the costs in winter 2021 - when the Price Cap was set at £1,277 - this winter will still see a marked increase in energy bills for many. So taking a meter reading on September 30^th, before the increases are due to come into force, will mean that your energy company cannot charge you at the higher rate for any units that have been used prior to October 1st.

“Until October 1st, energy costs per unit will still be in line with the previous Price Cap of £1,971, which is significantly lower than the £2,500 limit set to come in for October. We are also now headed into the winter months when we traditionally use more energy in the home, so it’s absolutely worth taking a meter reading before these increases come into effect.

“As well as taking a meter reading, there are things you can do to prepare yourself financially where possible. For example, if you can afford to, try to increase your direct debit payments now and catch up on any arrears you may have with your energy provider. Also, if you are in a lucky position and have a balance in credit with your energy provider, try to keep it in the bank for your next bill increase.

“If you are struggling to make payments and are concerned about energy bills, always talk to your energy provider in the first instance and they will discuss payment plans with you.

“We are hopeful that this first step introduced by Liz Truss in early September will lead to more strategic steps from the government, as we are not out of the woods yet and this winter will be extremely hard for many households.”

Go.Compare has a list of practical things that you can do to save on your energy costs in the home which can be found here: https://www.gocompare.com/gas-and-electricity/guide/energy-saving-tips/.

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For further information please contact:

Lynsey Walden or Kath Chadwick at Go.compare on lynsey.walden@gocompare.com or kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com.

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