MARTIN Lewis has urged people to take a picture of their gas and electric meters ahead of the energy bill rise on Friday.
Presenting a cost of living special on ITV’s Good Morning Britain today, he asked everyone on normal or pre-payment meters to take a photo of their meter readings tomorrow to avoid paying more than they need to.
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The new energy price cap will see energy prices rise by nearly £700 on average, as the 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 which will come into force on April 1, but the exact amount your bill will rise will depend on how much you use.
Martin also said it’s important to email the photo of the meter reading to yourself so you have a timestamp to prove it’s taken before the price hike.
He said: “One big thing I would say to you is take a picture of your pre-payment meter on the 31st March. “
He explained that doing so will prevent energy companies from overcharging households in the future.
“If they do try and back charge you, you can say I know exactly what I was using up until that date,” he continued.
“And email it to yourself so you’ve got a timestamp on that so you can prove it was taken on the 31st March.”
More than half of households pay energy bills using direct debit, according to the energy regulator Ofgem.
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The amount you pay for energy via direct debit is “smoothed out” over the year, meaning you pay the same amount each month, even when your energy usage changes.
Having a picture of your meter reading means you’re more likely to get billed for what you are actually using rather than estimated amounts.
Meanwhile, he has issued a warning over giving false meter readings saying it is fraud.
He said on Twitter that people should not give false meter readings in order to get cheaper prices after the bill hike in April.
On the ITV breakfast show this morning, he also answered two of the most common energy bill questions ahead of the energy price cap rise.
The MoneySavingExpert founder revealed whether you should get a fixed deal and why standing charge prices are soaring.
In addition, he explained how households will get the £150 council tax rebate paid into their bank accounts.
The government announced the refund in February to help households living in properties in council tax bands A to D with the rising cost of living, which will be handed out in April.
Martin said the cash will land in bank accounts from next month, if you pay by direct debit.
More on energy costs – we round up a number of charities offering up to £750 free cash for energy bills.
Looking to check how much energy are bills rising in your area? We reveal a full list of standing charges and tariffs across the UK.
Also, here are eight “vampire appliances” that you need to look out for as they can add £500 to your energy bills.
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