Take an energy meter reading before March 31

Ofgem’s energy price cap is going up yet again next month - by 6.4%.

That means a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will see their bills go up by about £111 a year.

If you have a smart meter, your energy supplier will automatically and accurately record your energy usage.

But if you don’t, they’ll estimate how much you’re using based on past readings.

So it could well be worth submitting a manual meter reading before the price increase kicks in on 1 April.

Otherwise, your supplier might assume you’ve used more energy under the new, higher rates - and you could pay more than you have to.

Take a meter reading on or just before 31 March and submit it to your supplier, so you can be sure you’re only charged the current, lower rates for the energy you’ve used up to that point.

How to take a meter reading 

Find your meter 

Your meter will usually be located under the stairs, in a cupboard or outside in a meter box.

Read the numbers

For gas meters, note down the numbers before the decimal point. For electricity meters, write down the numbers from left to right.

Submit your reading

You can do this through your supplier’s website, app or over the phone.

And if you don’t want to run the risk of being caught out by future increases in the energy price cap, it might be worth getting a smart meter, so you don’t have to go through the faff of submitting manual readings ever again.

Don’t struggle alone

If you're struggling with your energy bills, talk to your supplier about any help they can provide, like grants.

It’s also well worth checking to see what other support you might be eligible for.

Use our benefits calculator or get in touch to find out what you could claim.

And don’t forget to try our handy budget planner, so you can see where you could save money in your household and free up cash for vital expenses.