Here's how to take an energy meter reading on July 1st as the Ofgem energy price cap drops

Every three months, energy meters are read If you have variable tariffs, you should take advantage of the opportunity on July 1st, when energy bills are expected to drop by about 7%

Energy meter reading days fall on the first of January, April, July, and October. This is because the new Ofgem energy price cap takes effect on these days.

Customers should send in their meter readings on this day so that your energy provider can accurately bill you.

According to the new price cap unit rate, people on variable energy tariffs will see an average 7% reduction in their energy bills from July to September starting on July 1.

This implies that the typical household that pays by direct debit will spend 1,720 annually on energy, which is 129 less than what they would pay from April to June. However, since the price cap is a cap on the rate per unit rather than your final bill, your final bill is actually determined by your usage.

Send in a meter as soon as you can to avoid paying the higher rate starting on July 1.

The task will be straightforward if you have a smart meter, which automatically transmits readings to your energy provider.

However, things can get a little trickier if you are still sending readings from a meter.

What is the day of the energy meter reading?

An initiative called Energy Meter Reading Day seeks to encourage meter readings to be submitted on or just before the Ofgem energy price cap changes.

There are two methods that suppliers use to calculate your bill. Depending on your usage, they determine how much you pay based on your smart meter readings or your submitted readings. Alternatively, they will estimate the amount you should pay if you don't have a smart meter and don't submit readings.

Since it implies that you are not paying the appropriate amount for your energy, the latter choice is not the best. Even if the number turns out to be lower, you might end up with a big bill later.

Your energy provider will not be able to charge you at the higher rate for any units that you used at the lower rate if you submit a meter reading on or near the new price cap date. To make sure you aren't overcharged, you should take a meter reading.

Even though some smart meters can be unreliable, it's usually a good idea to record and submit meter readings each month.

If your smart meter is operating correctly in smart mode or you have a prepayment meter, you don't have to worry about manually entering monthly readings.

Additionally, if you are on a fixed rate energy tariff, you are exempt from sending a meter reading because your energy costs are fixed for a predetermined amount of time, typically 12 to 18 months. ).

How should an energy meter be read?

Usually, you have to give your supplier five numbers in order to get a reading. These are usually the first ones you see when reading the number from left to right on a single-rate meter, which is the most popular type.

The majority of meters have a useful red zone that contains numbers you are not required to record. However, they may have slightly different appearances. A dial meter might indicate multiple numbers on various faces, for instance. Left to right reading is still required for these.

With a working smart meter, the procedure is a little easier because the digital display should make it easy for you to see the information you need.

Visit your supplier's website or app after finishing your reading. Typically, there will be a section where you can provide them with your meter reading.

To submit a reading, you can also call them, but be advised that wait times may be longer than usual because many people may be doing the same thing on the day of the meter reading.

On or just before October 1, 2025, the next energy meter reading day will occur because that is when the next price cap will take effect. Prices are anticipated to increase once more at this time.

How to reduce your energy costs.

Right now, cutting back on consumption is the best way to save money. The energy spokesperson for Go is Gareth Kloet. "Attempting to lower your energy usage will help minimize expenses both now and in the future, and it will eventually pay off," according to Compare Energy.

Making sure you don't leave devices in standby mode, purchasing energy-efficient appliances, switching from bathtubs to showers, and avoiding turning the thermostat up as soon as the outside temperature drops are all ways to save energy around the house.

He goes on to say: "As your energy provider has a responsibility to assist, always speak with them first if you are having trouble making payments and are worried about your energy bills. Avoid the temptation to simply stop paying or skip payments; instead, contact them and they will work with you to arrange a payment schedule.

See our top 13 energy cost reduction tips to help you maintain low energy bills. We examine wood burning stoves vs. central heating, heated airers vs. tumble dryers, and radiators vs. electric heaters if you're looking for ways to cut expenses and increase energy efficiency.