Smart Meter Warning: Act Now or Risk Overpaying on Your Energy Bills in 2025
With the rise in energy prices just around the corner, millions of households in the UK have been warned by leading energy providers like British Gas, Octopus, Eon, EDF, and OVO to act swiftly or risk overpaying on their energy bills. The energy price cap, set by Ofgem, is set to increase by 1% from January 1, 2025. This may seem like a minor adjustment, but it could add an extra £20 to the annual energy cost for a typical dual-fuel household, pushing the bill to £1,738 per year. Unfortunately, there’s a catch. If you haven’t submitted your meter reading before the new year, your energy usage might be estimated at the new, higher rates, potentially resulting in significant overcharges.
This warning primarily affects households on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) who do not have a smart meter installed. Without submitting an accurate reading by January 1, the energy supplier will rely on estimates, which are often higher than actual consumption. This means that some of your December energy usage could be billed under the higher January rates, costing you more than necessary.
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According to Uswitch, failing to submit accurate meter readings could lead to a collective overpayment of £66 million across the UK. Households that do not provide these readings risk having their energy usage estimated based on the higher rates for January. If you’re among the millions who need to submit a reading, don’t delay—it’s crucial to act before or on January 1 to avoid unnecessary charges.
While the deadline looms, it’s also a great opportunity to reconsider your energy tariff. If you haven’t already, now might be the perfect time to switch to a fixed-rate deal. These tariffs are currently cheaper than the energy price cap and offer price stability for at least a year, protecting you from any further hikes. Additionally, energy experts recommend taking proactive steps to cut your overall energy consumption, such as draught-proofing your home, reducing the flow rate on your boiler, and installing thermostatic radiator valves.
For those with smart meters, this process is automated, and you won’t need to submit manual readings. However, for the majority of homes still using traditional meters, this deadline is crucial. Many people are unaware of how to submit their readings or even where their meters are located. If you're unsure, it’s simple: for most meters, you need to note the first five numbers from left to right and ignore any red numbers. In the case of a dial meter, you’ll need to note the direction in which the dials turn, as they may rotate in opposite directions.
If you’ve been procrastinating, now is the time to act. Not only will submitting your meter reading save you from overpaying, but it also allows you to make the most of the fixed deals available. Energy suppliers have warned customers on standard tariffs that they must submit their readings by January 5 at the latest to avoid estimated charges. So don’t wait—update your payment details, check your meter, and ensure that your energy bill for 2025 reflects your actual usage, not an inflated estimate.
As we head into the new year, it’s clear that energy costs will continue to climb. Taking small steps now—like submitting a meter reading or switching to a fixed tariff—can make a big difference to your household budget. Make sure you’re not caught out by high estimates and keep your energy costs under control heading into 2025.
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