Scots urged to submit meter readings ahead of energy price cap rise on October 1

Scots have been urged to submit meter readings to their energy suppliers before the new Ofgem price cap comes into force.

Residents have until midnight on September 30 to submit data in order to prevent companies from estimating usage and applying the new, higher prices.

The national energy regulator resets its cap on the amount suppliers can charge every three months.

The latest change, from £1,720 to £1,755 on October 1, represents a 2% increase on the current level.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs a national energy advice service, said people who cannot submit readings before September 30 should do so as close to the date as possible.

The consumer advice agency said those with smart meters should ensure the device is working properly.

Advice Direct Scotland is also urging households to check if better tariffs are available.

“The rise in the price cap next week will be relatively modest, but that will be of little comfort to the thousands of Scottish households struggling with the cost of their bills,” Jillian Edmund, energy project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said.

“Energy prices remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began, with many people worrying about how they will pay off their debts to their suppliers.

“That is why we are reminding households that is it important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent any overcharging.”

For extra peace of mind, Ms Edmund advised customers to take a dated photo of their meter to resolve any disputes that may arise.

Ofgem will announce the next price cap update in November, and forecasts suggest it will fall slightly in January.

However, Advice Direct are warning that households will continue to be charged “hundreds of pounds more per year” than they were before the energy crisis hit in autumn 2021, and said many people are “still struggling with record levels of debt”.

Ms Edmund added: “People can also take further practical action by examining their bills, finding out how much they are paying, and checking if there are cheaper options available with other suppliers.

“Struggling customers should also remember that help and advice is available. Our expert team is on hand at energyadvice.scot or on freephone 0808 196 8660.

“Over the longer term, we are continuing to advocate for a UK-wide social energy tariff, which would automatically put vulnerable people on the cheapest deals.”