British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, Octopus customers who fail to act this week face £19 charge

The difference of just a week’s worth of energy at October rates compared with September is £18.81 per home.

Ten million households should submit a meter reading this week to make sure they avoid higher energy rates from 1 October. The difference of just a week’s worth of energy at October rates compared with September is £18.81 per home.

British Gas, EDF, EON, Ovo and Octopus customers who fail to act could be charged the sum. Households with typical consumption will spend £135 on energy in October due to higher usage and rates, compared with £55 in September. Those on SVTs without a smart meter who fail to submit meter readings on or around 1 October risk having some of their usage estimated and possibly charged under the new higher rates.

The difference between a week’s worth of energy at October’s rates compared with September’s is £18.81 for the average household. Therefore, if those ten million households didn’t submit a reading by 1 October and their usage was estimated, just a week's worth of energy at the more expensive rates could see them overpaying by £186 million in total.

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Industry analysts Cornwall Insight suggest energy rates will rise again in January, meaning the average home with typical usage could pay £1,762, a 3% increase on the autumn rates. A fixed tariff could help households avoid peak winter rates and give financial stability for at least a year. Some of these deals are up to 7% below the predicted October price cap.

Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “With energy prices rising next week, it’s vital that households submit a meter reading, with a £19 difference between the cost of a week’s energy at September’s prices compared with October. Customers who don’t have a smart meter should aim to submit their readings before or on Tuesday 1 October, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account.

“If you delay submitting your readings, some of your September energy usage could end up being estimated and therefore charged under the higher October rates. Try making this task a monthly habit for billing accuracy. Households are also advised to see whether now is the time to change their energy tariff, to beat the October price hikes.

“There are a number of fixed tariffs worth considering right now. By opting for a fixed deal, you’re locking in those rates for the duration – usually 12 months – which means households could have price certainty and avoid the ups and downs of the price cap. You can check your options by running a comparison at Uswitch.com, where you’ll be able to see available tariffs with personalised costs based on your household consumption.”