Scots should submit meter readings now before new energy price cap rise, say experts

Person checking a recent Scottish Power electricity bill against their Scottish Power meter.
-Credit: (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)


Scots are being urged to submit their meter readings now - before a new energy price cap sends bills soaring next month. Households should get their readings to their energy supplier no later than midnight on September 30 ahead of Ofgem raising the price cap from October 1.

The call comes from Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot. They say accurate readings will prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying new, higher prices to energy consumed when prices were lower.

It comes as energy costs are set to be hiked by 10 per cent next month, rising to £1717 a year for the average household. Electricity regulator Ofgem resets its cap on the amount suppliers can charge every three months.

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The latest change, from £1568 to £1717 on October 1, represents a 10 per cent increase on the current level. Advice Direct Scotland is urging anyone who cannot submit readings before September 30 to do so as close to the date as possible. Those with smart meters should ensure the device is working.

Taking a photo of the meter reading can also help to resolve any disputes that may arise, the group adds. Advice Direct Scotland is also urging households to review how much they're paying and shop around to see if there are better tariffs available elsewhere.

But it has raised concerns that many of the best value deals offered by suppliers are aimed at better-off households, leaving people on lower incomes struggling. Many deals are only available to people with an installed smart meter.

electric fire
A third of Scots live in fuel poverty. -Credit:PA



It comes as forecasts suggest Ofgem will raise the price cap again in January, further piling pressure on hard-up households this winter with no let-up until spring at the earliest. We told last week how the Scottish Government is exploring the potential for a "social energy tariff" with suppliers and industry bodies to ease the pressure on struggling Scots.

The charity has long backed such a tariff and called for the UK Government to work with energy suppliers to introduce the policy. Persistently high gas and electricity costs have sent bills soaring in recent years amid the war in Ukraine and other pressures, creating a miserable cost of living crisis for millions.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Higher gas and electricity prices are a stark reminder that the energy crisis is far from over. For many Scottish households, winter will be long and difficult, with no relief from high prices until at least spring 2025.

“Submitting your meter readings around October 1 will ensure you are charged correctly for energy used before and after the price cap change. Taking a dated photo of your meter for reference is helpful, and if you have a smart meter, make sure it’s functioning.

“Consumers should examine their bills, understand their payments, and explore cheaper options with other suppliers. Our expert team is available for anyone needing help, regardless of their circumstances.

“Long-term energy affordability solutions are crucial, which is why we urgently need a UK-wide social tariff to protect people from excessive bills. This would help fix the broken energy market and alleviate fuel poverty. Urgent action is needed.”

energyadvice.scot provides free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland. Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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