{"id":67103,"date":"2023-09-26T09:03:09","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T09:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordcelnews.com\/?p=67103"},"modified":"2023-09-26T09:03:09","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T09:03:09","slug":"eight-energy-checks-you-need-to-make-now-before-big-change-to-bills-in-days-to-avoid-paying-more-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordcelnews.com\/lifestyle\/eight-energy-checks-you-need-to-make-now-before-big-change-to-bills-in-days-to-avoid-paying-more-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Eight energy checks you need to make NOW before big change to bills in days to avoid paying more | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

MILLIONS of households should perform eight vital energy checks now before a big change to bills.<\/p>\n

Later this week on October 1, the government's\u00a0energy price cap, which limits the typical\u00a0domestic energy bill, will fall to \u00a31,923 a year.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The reduction in\u00a0Ofgem's price cap\u00a0means that a typical household will see their bills drop by \u00a3151 a year.<\/p>\n

The price cap works by setting a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of\u00a0gas\u00a0and electricity.<\/p>\n

It's not a cap on how much you can be charged for the\u00a0energy\u00a0that you use – so if you use more, expect to pay more.<\/p>\n

That's why it's important to perform some checks before this change to ensure that you're not paying over the odds.<\/p>\n

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Warning for millions to take energy meter reading NOW ahead of price cap change<\/h3>\n

Here's everything you should be doing now to prep for this, according to energy experts at comparison site Uswitch.<\/p>\n

1. Take a meter reading<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Energy suppliers usually require you to take regular meter readings from your gas and electricity meter to work out how much they should charge you.<\/p>\n

Customers who don't do this are\u00a0billed\u00a0on estimated usage and will likely pay more.<\/p>\n

So if you don't have a smart meter, ensure that you regularly submit meter readings to your supplier.<\/p>\n

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Those with smart meters don't need to send a manual reading because they're sent to suppliers automatically.<\/p>\n

Submitting a meter reading just before the rates change will ensure you're charged the correct amount for the energy you've used.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We've previously explained how to take a reading from different types of electricity and gas meters.<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Check your direct debit<\/h2>\n

If you pay your energy bill by direct debit, this monthly amount should be "fair and reasonable".<\/p>\n

If you don't think it is, you should complain directly to your supplier in the first instance.<\/p>\n

If you're not happy with the outcome you can take it to the independent\u00a0Energy Ombudsman\u00a0to dispute, but there are a few steps before you get to that stage.<\/p>\n

Your supplier must clearly explain why it's chosen that amount for your direct debit.<\/p>\n

If you've got credit on your account, you have every right to get it back – although some experts recommend keeping it there through the summer, so your bills don't go up in the winter when you use more energy.<\/p>\n

Your supplier must refund you or explain exactly why not otherwise and the regulator, Ofgem, can fine suppliers if they don't.<\/p>\n

If you are disputing a bill, taking a meter reading is a must.<\/p>\n

If it's lower than your estimate, you can ask your provider to lower your monthly direct debit to a more suitable amount.<\/p>\n

But beware so you don\u2019t end up in debt later on with a bigger catch-up bill at the end of the year from underpayments racking up.<\/p>\n

If you don't have success in negotiating a lower payment then you can put in a complaint to the\u00a0Energy Ombudsman.<\/p>\n

3. Check for any new energy deals<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are currently fixed deals on offer that are priced close to or slightly higher than standard variable tariffs, but they offer peace of mind that your rates will not change for 12 months.<\/p>\n

But you could end up being stuck paying more if prices fall in future so it's important to assess the real value of these offers.<\/p>\n

Run a comparison at\u00a0Uswitch.com\u00a0to see personalised options based on your usage and region.<\/p>\n

The regulator used to set the price cap every six months, but since August last year, it now reviews the cap on unit rates for those on the default tariff every three months.<\/p>\n

This means that annual energy bills may drop further into 2024 when the next price cap comes into force in January.<\/p>\n

4. Check if you qualify for support<\/h2>\n

Households should check whether they qualify for energy support schemes or grants.<\/p>\n

The government runs the Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides \u00a3150 in energy credit to help with bills during the winter and has recently introduced the Great British Insulation Scheme.<\/p>\n

Councils also offer the Household Support Fund.<\/p>\n

Many suppliers have customer support funds offering home insulation, energy-efficient white goods and cash grants.<\/p>\n

Here's a list of schemes open right now:<\/p>\n