With the new energy price cap coming into force on 1 October, Energy UK has published the following list, detailing five things for customers to be aware of:

Submitting a meter reading. Customers should check with their supplier for specific advice on giving a reading when the new higher prices kick in on 1 October 2022, as most suppliers will accept readings for a few days either side. High call volumes and website traffic are expected, so it’s recommended to check beforehand for the best way to submit meter readings. Suppliers offer numerous channels including text, email and apps, and online account submissions, but these vary. Customers with a working smart meter (credit or prepayment) or on fixed-term tariffs, do not need to submit additional meter readings on or before 1 October.

£2,500 represents an average annual bill for a typical household paying by direct debit. The Energy Price Guarantee limits the price per unit of gas or electricity that suppliers can charge customers, and the £2500 figure represents the average annual use of a typical household paying by direct debit. However, the amount you pay depends on how much electricity or gas is actually used, so could be higher or lower than this figure. Furthermore, customers on prepayment meters pay an additional £59 annually compared to those on direct debit, and customers who pay by standard credit (cash or cheque) pay an additional £125 annually.

Domestic customers will also receive the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme, but will not receive £400 in one go. The payments will be split in instalments over 6 months with payments starting from October 2022. Energy suppliers may pay the EBSS by reducing customers’ direct debit.

There is no need to contact energy suppliers about the Energy Bills Support Scheme or the Energy Price Guarantee. For credit customers, the discounted tariff and EBSS discount will both be automatically applied from 1 October. It will show on people’s first bill from October, however the timing of this will vary depending on how often customers are billed. Customers on prepayment meters will receive vouchers for the EBSS, and should ensure their details are up to date with their supplier in order to receive them. They can be claimed at Paypoint or Post Offices but check beforehand where these can be claimed, as it varies depending on the energy supplier. Any discounts to tariffs under the Energy Price Guarantee will be applied to prepayment customers automatically.

Be aware of fraud. A number of people have reported messages and emails telling customers they are eligible for the energy bill rebate and need to apply. As above, the Government support packages are applied automatically – so any messages stating help in claiming the rebate are likely to be fraudulent. People should contact their energy supplier if they’re in doubt and report any scams to Action Fraud. Look at Take-five for advice on how to spot fraudulent scams.

For more information, including general advice on households ahead of winter, visit the Energy UK website here: https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/index.php/media-and-campaigns/press-releases/526-2022/8305-five-things-people-should-know-about-energy-bills-before-october-1st-2022.html