Angus householders reminded of Hogmanay energy meter reading deadline

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is reminding consumers to act before midnight on Hogmanay. Accurate readings will prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying new, higher prices to energy consumed when they were lower. The regulator, Ofgem, resets its cap on the amount suppliers can charge every three months. The latest change, from £1755 to £1758 on New Year’s Day, represents a 0.2% increase on the current level. People who cannot submit readings before December 31 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. Advice Direct Scotland is also urging households to check if better tariffs are available. However, many of the best-value deals are targeted at more affluent customers or those with a smart meter installed. The next price cap update will be announced by Ofgem in February, with the most recent forecasts suggesting it will fall slightly in April. However, households will continue to be charged hundreds of pounds per year more than they were before the energy crisis hit in the autumn of 2021. Advice Direct Scotland is warning that many people are still struggling with record levels of debt, and is encouraging anyone worried about bills to contact its experts for free impartial advice. Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot or on freephone 0808 196 8660. The charity said the persistently high cost of gas and electricity underlined why the UK needs a social energy tariff, which could put the most vulnerable customers on the cheapest deals. Eligibility for such a tariff could be determined by a variety of metrics. Jillian Edmund, energy project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “The rise in the price cap on New Year’s Day might be small, but with many households stretching their budgets to the limit in the build up to Christmas, it is still unwelcome. “Thousands of people across the country are still struggling with the cost of their energy bills, which remain far higher than they were when the crisis began. “With energy prices not expected to fall significantly any time soon, it is crucial to stay on top of your bills and check if cheaper deals are available with other suppliers. “It is also important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent any overcharging. “For extra peace of mind, take a dated photo of your meter, and if you have a smart meter, make sure it’s working. “Anyone who is struggling this winter should also remember that help and advice is available. Our expert team is on hand at energyadvice.scot or on freephone 0808 196 8660.”