People urged to check meters or risk being overcharged

Households across Keighley are being urged to submit energy meter readings to avoid being overcharged, according to Uswitch.com <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
Households across Keighley are being urged to submit energy meter readings to avoid being overcharged, according to Uswitch.com (Image: Getty Images)
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Households across Keighley are being urged to submit energy meter readings to avoid being overcharged.

More than seven million homes without smart meters across the UK are being advised to submit their readings by January 1, as gas and electricity rates are set to rise under the new energy price cap.

Uswitch.com has warned that failing to submit readings could result in some December usage being charged at the higher January rates.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: "Households should take a moment to read their energy meter over the festive period to avoid the possibility of being charged incorrectly at January’s higher energy rates.

"Customers who don’t have a smart meter should submit their readings before or on Thursday, January 1, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account.

"Energy bill-payers can also get ahead of January’s price hike by fixing at cheaper rates right now.

"Currently, there are a range of fixed deals available that are around £233 cheaper than the January price cap for the average household."

The energy price cap will increase in three days, with electricity rates rising by 5 per cent for those on a default tariff.

Households on default tariffs and with typical energy use are expected to spend approximately £166 in January, compared to £140 in December.

This increase reflects both higher rates and greater winter energy consumption.

Mr Gallizzi addedd: "If you can switch to a deal cheaper than the January price cap, now is a good time to make the change.

"We urge customers to run an energy comparison as soon as possible to see how much you could save off your heating bills."

Uswitch.com reports that 27 fixed tariffs currently undercut the incoming cap, with the cheapest offering average savings of around £233 compared with the January price cap for the average household.

The company is also advising households to regularly track their usage and consider switching to avoid overpaying during the colder months.

Energy consumers without smart meters should continue to submit readings periodically, not just ahead of rate changes, to ensure charges remain accurate.

Uswitch also recommends reviewing energy tariffs regularly and switching to a fixed-rate deal where possible to lock in lower prices.

Tools such as the Uswitch app, which connects to smart meters, can help track usage and identify saving opportunities.

People can see if they can save by comparing energy deals at Uswitch.com

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