Nearly six million UK households on standard variable tariffs have been urged to submit an energy meter reading by the end of the month. The warning, issued by Uswitch.com, comes as Brits are urged to take advantage of lower energy rates from April 1
Despite ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, the energy price cap will fall to £1,641 on April 1, mainly due to the Government removing certain levies from domestic bills in the last Autumn Budget. Latest predictions from analysts Cornwall Insight suggest the July price cap could increase by nearly £332 (20%) to £1,973 as instability pushes up wholesale prices. Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Households should take a moment to read their energy meter this weekend if they want to make the most of lower energy prices from April. Customers who don’t have a smart meter should submit their readings before or on Wednesday April 1, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account.”
Homes on a standard tariff with average usage are expected to spend £97 on energy in April, compared with £166 in March.
The reduction is due to a combination of lower rates and lower usage as temperatures rise.
Those on standard tariffs who do not have a smart meter and do not submit meter readings on or around April 1 risk having some of their usage charged under the older, more expensive March rates.
Mr Gallizzi added: “You could save money by signing up for free electricity schemes. Many suppliers offer free or discounted energy at certain times of the week, which can mean you can do your washing for free at the weekend.
“If you have a smart meter, you can connect it to the free Uswitch mobile app and look out for opportunities to earn real cash back in your pocket by shifting or reducing your energy to off-peak times.
“Switching off or turning down the heating as the weather improves will help bring down your energy bill, but other small changes around the home can add up.
“It’s a good time to ditch the tumble dryer and save money by drying clothes on the line if you have some outdoor space. Running a tumble dryer the typical three times a week costs £2.22 at April’s price cap rates.
“If you’re not already on a fixed energy deal, there are currently 19 tariffs available. These have increased in price within the week or so, but if certainty about your rates is something you want, you should assess the options available.
“It’s important to run a quick comparison to see tailored options available to your personal energy usage. If there are options on offer which give you the opportunity to lock in reasonable rates, it’s worth considering if you value price certainty.”
Uswitch.com is urging households without a working smart meter to submit a meter reading this week and make sure you’re signed up to receive email alerts from Uswitch.com to be informed when new or exclusive tariffs become available.
