Scots urged to submit meter readings as latest energy price cap falls

Glasgow, Scotland – June 24, 2024:

Scottish households have been urged to submit meter readings to their energy supplier as the newly lowered Ofgem price cap comes into force.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is reminding consumers to act before midnight on June 30 to avoid being overcharged. Those with smart meters should make sure the device is working.

Accurate readings prevent suppliers from estimating usage and potentially applying the old higher prices to energy used after June 30.

Regulator Ofgem resets its cap on the amount suppliers are able to charge every three months.

The latest change from £1,690 to £1,568 on July 1 represents a 7.2 per cent decrease on the current level. Households will see the average bill fall by around £122 per year.

However, it is still £430 more than the amount that households were being charged before the energy crisis hit in the autumn of 2021.

People who cannot submit readings before June 30 should do so as close to the date as possible. Taking a photo of the meter reading can also help to resolve any disputes that may arise.

Advice Direct Scotland is also urging households to review how much they are paying and check whether there are better tariffs available.

However, it is also concerned that many of the best value deals being offered by suppliers are aimed at more affluent households, while others are only available to those with an installed smart meter.

The next price cap change will be announced by Ofgem on August 27.

Previous forecasts have suggested that the price cap will rise again in October and remain roughly the same in January 2025, meaning that higher energy bills are here to stay.

Cornwall Insight, the independent research company, recently predicted that the October to December cap could be 12 per cent higher than the July cap, equating to £1,762 per year for an average household with typical energy usage.

Advice Direct Scotland said the persistently high cost of gas and electricity underlined why the UK needs a social energy tariff, which would automatically put the most vulnerable customers on the cheapest deals.

The charity has been campaigning for the UK Government to work with energy suppliers to introduce the policy.

Hazel Knowles, Energy Lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said:

“Lower gas and electricity prices will come as a relief for households, but bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began.

“It’s essential to submit your meter readings a few days before or after July 1. This helps avoid suppliers charging you more for energy than you’ve actually used.

“For extra peace of mind, take a dated photo of the meter. If you have a smart meter, ensure it’s working.

“People can also take 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 know that they do not have to suffer in silence – our expert team is on hand for anyone who needs help, regardless of their personal circumstances.

“Energy affordability also needs a long-term solution, and that’s why we urgently need a social tariff to protect people from spending excessive amounts on their bills.

“Whoever forms the next UK Government should take steps to introduce the policy, as this would go some way to fixing the broken energy market and ending the scourge of fuel poverty.”

NOTES

More information about Advice Direct Scotland’s campaign for a social energy tariff, including a Q&A, can be found here

Advice Direct Scotland is a charity which runs the national advice service advicedirect.scot. Advice is available to everyone in Scotland, at no cost, regardless of personal circumstance.

Advice related to energy issues is available at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The website also includes an online knowledge centre for Scots, with information on:

• Billing and meters

• Complaints and disputes

• Grants and assistance

• Scams and fraud

• Loss of energy supply

• Switching suppliers.