Take a meter reading today ahead of 1st April price cap hike

31-3-2025 14:24

Avoid paying too much for your energy

Orkney Housing Association is suggesting that tenants should take electricity meter readings today, Monday 31st March, to avoid paying too much for their energy when the price cap hike comes in tomorrow, Tuesday 1st April.

To avoid any issues with direct debits and potentially over or under paying around the price cap rise households, and especially those on Standard Variable Tariffs, should take and submit a reading before the rise.
The regulator, Ofgem, resets its cap on the amount suppliers can charge every three months.

The level of the cap is rising from £1,738 to £1,849, an increase of 6.4%, pushing the average bill up by £111 per year. The new cap is £711 higher than what dual fuel households were paying before the energy crisis hit in the autumn of 2021, an increase of 62%.

In reality, the average rise will be significantly higher for electric heating households, who are spending between £700 and £1000 more a year than dual fuel customers to buy a third less energy and underheating their homes as a consequence.

Energy Officer Robert Leslie said: “Submitting a reading before midnight will avoid your supplier sending you an estimate that might lead to higher charges.

“Generally, the advice would be to keep in contact with your supplier if you have concerns about your direct debit or how you are paying off any energy debt. Your supplier has a duty to discuss these issues with customers. It is possible to reduce direct debit levels in line with usage, and to arrange longer periods for debt repayment.”

People who cannot submit readings by midnight should do so as close to the date as possible. Those with smart meters should ensure the device is working.
Taking a photo of the meter reading can also help to resolve any disputes that may arise.

If you would like further advice on energy usage please contact Robert Leslie, Energy Officer, on 875253 ext 404 or at robert.leslie@ohal.org.uk