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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Nicola Roy

Martin Lewis issues four-day warning to anyone with certain type of energy meter

Martin Lewis has issued a word of warning to energy customers with a certain type of meter ahead of a big change coming next month.

The Money Saving Expert is no stranger to helping people save the pennies when it comes to their bills, recognising that the cost of living crisis has been hitting families and households hard.

Energy bills have been a particular worry for many people, especially since the government's Energy Bill Support Scheme came to an end earlier this year.

From October to March, households received a £400 discount on their energy bills, paid in monthly instalments of £67 or £66.

Now, another change is coming that people should prepare for by submitting a reading if they pay via Direct Debit.

This is because energy prices are set to drop by around 17 percent on average across the UK thanks to a reduction in the Ofgem price cap.

From July 1, the energy price cap will be set at £2,047 annually for the typical household.

If the reading isn't submitted by Friday, June 30, households are at risk of being charged more than they should be for their gas and electricity.

In a Tweet, Martin outlined exactly what each person who pays for their energy via Direct Debit should be doing in preparation for the change coming at the end of the week.

He also explained that this doesn't apply to people with a smart or prepayment meter.

The Money Saving Expert wrote: "Prices fall an avg 17% across Eng, Scot & Wal this Sat as the price cap drops (more for higher users who have gas, less for lower elec only users).

"Pay by direct debit? Submit a reading. With monthly direct debit, firms estimate your usage, and assign it to a certain period, so submitting a reading within a few days of the change (many let you backdate a few days too) reduces the risk of their 'estimating' going against against you (though there's always a chance a discrepancy could end up in your favour).

"Take a pic of the meter for belt 'n' braces."

He also urged people to share his informative post with anyone it's relevant to, in order to ensure that as many people as possible avoid being overcharged for their gas and electricity.

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