MARTIN Lewis has issued a warning over giving false meter readings as households face the energy bill rise this week.
The MoneySavingExpert founder warned his followers on Twitter not to provide a false meter reading ahead of the price cap increase as it’s fraud.
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The energy price cap will go up on April 1, meaning suppliers can charge more for gas and electricity.
It will see energy prices rise by nearly £700 on average, as the price cap on bills increases from £1,277 to £1,971.
Around 22million households are now on standard variable tariffs that are subject to the price cap, but the exact amount your bill will rise will depend on how much you use.
Martin previously said that people should take a metre reading just before the price hike to avoid paying more than they need to.
He said that taking the meter reading the day before the rise on March 31 will “draw a line in the sand” between the energy you have used at the current rate, and the higher rate from April 1.
An accurate meter reading means you’re more likely to get billed for what you are actually using rather than estimated amounts.
However, he has warned that people should not give false meter readings in order to get cheaper prices after the bill hike in April.
Respond to a common question regarding his advice, Martin wrote on Twitter: “Many asking me Q. Can I give a falsely inflated meter reading on 31 March – so I get more at the cheap rate that I use in April?”
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“A. That’s called fraud I’m afraid.”
Energy companies have confirmed that this would fall under meter fraud.
On Crown Energy‘s website, it says: “Gas meter fraud, also known as gas meter cheating, involves sidestepping or falsifying the gas meter so that it doesn’t record the true amount of gas being consumed.
“Tampering with the meter is effectively cheating the meter as it gives false results so that you pay less (or nothing) for gas usage.”
The same can apply to electric meters and giving false readings could result in a fine or even imprisonment.
Earlier this week, Martin Lewis warned millions of households that a prepayment top up trick might not work for them.
Meanwhile, here are four things you should do now before the energy price cap rises to £1,971 in April.
Plus, we round up eight “vampire appliances” that are adding £500 to your energy bills.
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