Plea for households to read energy meter as prices rise
Household energy prices have risen by 13% a year as regulator Ofgem's latest price cap kicks in.
By BBC News
Households across Cheshire are being urged to check their energy meters immediately as the national price cap rises by 13 per cent, adding an estimated £155 to the typical annual bill. The new rate, set by regulator Ofgem, kicks in this Wednesday and will affect millions of customers in England, Scotland and Wales who are on variable tariffs without smart meters.
Those who fail to submit a reading risk having their previous consumption billed at the higher rate, effectively paying more for energy they used before the cap changed. The increase is driven largely by a surge in global gas prices, which have risen by 50 per cent due to supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Annual gas bills are expected to jump by 24 per cent, while electricity costs will rise by 5 per cent. For a household using a typical amount of both fuels, the monthly cost will go up by £18, bringing the total annual bill to £1,862.
Standing charges remain largely unchanged, and the new estimates for typical consumption are set at 9,500 kWh for gas and 2,500 kWh for electricity per year. The price cap change impacts 33 million households across England, Wales and Scotland, though regulations and billing differ in Northern Ireland.
Approximately 40 per cent of bill payers are on fixed tariffs and will not see any change to their unit prices until their contracts expire. However, those on variable deals with standard meters are advised to act promptly.
Price comparison platform Uswitch has highlighted that submitting a reading now is the only way to avoid being charged at the new, more expensive rate for past usage. While the rise is significant, its immediate impact may be somewhat limited due to the mild weather and reduced energy consumption typical of summer months.
Lower demand for heating during these warmer weeks could soften the blow for many families. Nevertheless, the long-term effect remains a concern, especially as energy costs continue to climb amid global instability.
The situation underscores the importance of energy efficiency and the need for households to monitor their usage closely. Local energy advice centres in Cheshire are already seeing an uptick in inquiries as residents seek guidance on managing higher costs.
Many are turning to smart meter upgrades, which automatically send readings to suppliers and eliminate the risk of being billed incorrectly. For those unable to install smart meters immediately, the advice is clear: take a photo of your meter today and send it to your supplier before the new cap applies.
This simple step can prevent unnecessary charges and ensure bills reflect actual usage up to the point of the price change. The government has not announced any new support measures specifically for this rise, though existing schemes such as the ECO4 end date extension remain in place.
Critics argue that the current system places too much responsibility on individuals to navigate complex billing changes. Adam Scorer, chief executive of a leading energy action group, said the rise “should not be borne by households alone” and called for greater investment in renewable energy to reduce dependence on volatile gas markets.
As the cap rises, the message from energy providers and consumer groups is consistent: check your meter, submit your reading, and stay informed. For Cheshire households, this means taking action now to avoid unexpected costs in the coming weeks.
With gas bills set to rise by a quarter and electricity by 5 per cent, the financial pressure on families is real. Those who act quickly can protect themselves from being charged for past usage at the new rate, while those who delay may face higher bills with no way to reverse them.
The situation also highlights the growing divide between those on fixed and variable tariffs. While fixed-rate customers remain insulated from the rise, variable-rate users are exposed to the full impact of market fluctuations.
This disparity is likely to widen as more households move away from fixed deals due to their higher upfront costs. Energy experts recommend reviewing tariff options regularly and considering smart meter installation as a long-term solution to billing accuracy and cost control.
In the meantime, households are encouraged to look for ways to reduce consumption, such as using appliances more efficiently, switching to energy-saving lighting, and avoiding unnecessary heating. Small changes can help offset the rise, especially during the summer when demand is lower.
But the core advice remains unchanged: submit your meter reading before Wednesday to ensure you are not billed at the new, higher rate for past usage. This is the most effective step households can take to protect themselves from the immediate impact of the price cap rise.