Energy meter warning issued to UK households who have these five suppliers

British Gas, Octopus, EDF, and OVO customers have been urged to act or risk overpaying bills as the Ofgem price cap is hiked by 10 per cent and £149 to £1717 from October 1 (Tuesday).
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A meter warning has been issued to UK households with FIVE companies. British Gas, Octopus, EDF, and OVO customers have been urged to act or risk overpaying bills as the Ofgem price cap is hiked by 10 per cent and £149 to £1717 from October 1 (Tuesday).

An energy expert has urged British Gas, OVO, EDF, Eon and Octopus customers to make sure they take their meter readings on or before October 1. Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, emphasised the importance of taking a meter reading.

He said: "With energy prices rising next week, it's vital that households submit a meter reading, with a £19 difference between the cost of a week's energy at September's prices compared with October." British Gas customers can submit readings until October 14, while EDF allows backdating until October 9.

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Octopus Energy has set October 8 as their deadline and Scottish Power and OVO have not specified deadlines for meter readings so the sooner the better. Mr Gallizzi warned: "If you delay submitting your readings, some of your September energy usage could end up being estimated and therefore charged under the higher October rates."

Emily Seymour, energy editor at Which?, said: "You should compare what your monthly [bills] would be on a fixed deal with what you'd expect them to be if you remain with the price-capped variable tariff to see what the best option is for you."

To make sure there are no discrepancies in the amount you're charged on the lower rate, it's a good idea to give a meter reading to your supplier on or around 1 October. This stops your supplier from estimating your usage, and potentially assuming you've used more at the new higher rate than you actually have.

Money Saving Expert said: "There will be winners and losers here – as some will gain and others lose against what their supplier would have estimated – but if you do a meter reading, you know it's fair."