Millions of households are being warned to take just a few minutes to check their energy meter today as the new energy price cap comes into force tomorrow.
Experts say anyone without a working smart meter should submit a meter reading before the new rates begin to avoid being charged July's higher prices for energy they actually used in June.
The warning affects around 5.3 million homes still on standard variable tariffs without fully functioning smart meters.
From tomorrow, the energy price cap increases by 13%, with gas prices seeing the biggest jump.
According to comparison site Uswitch, households that fail to submit an up-to-date meter reading risk having some of their final June energy usage estimated and charged at the new, more expensive July rates.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, said: "There are two crucial things you should add to your to-do list today — submit a meter reading and check whether you can switch to a cheaper fixed tariff.
"Millions of households should take a moment to read their meter before prices rise to avoid being overcharged once the higher rates come into force.
"If you don't have a smart meter, sending an accurate reading gives your supplier the correct picture of your account."
The price cap increase means:
- Low-use households could pay around £145 more a year
- Average households face bills increasing by around £221
- Larger families could see annual costs rise by almost £330
Gas prices are seeing the biggest increase, rising to their highest level since September 2023.
Uswitch says there are still dozens of fixed-rate deals available that undercut tomorrow's price cap, with the cheapest estimated to save the average household around £285 a year.
Alongside submitting a meter reading, experts recommend:
- Comparing fixed tariffs
- Checking for exclusive switching deals
- Using smart meter data to identify wasted electricity
- Hanging washing outside instead of using a tumble dryer during warmer weather
- Turning off heating timers if they're no longer needed
Madeleine Porter, Head of Marketing at Utility Bidder, said smart meters can also reveal "hidden" energy waste.
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"Many households are surprised by how much electricity appliances use when they're sitting on standby.
"When people can see the cost of running appliances in real time, they're much more likely to spot wasted energy and make simple changes that reduce bills."
She added that households should also check energy use while they're away from home over the summer, monitor outdoor electrical equipment, and review how much electricity is being used for hot water and refrigeration during warmer weather.
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