- Nine and a half million households on standard tariffs should submit a meter reading by the end of the month to make sure they are charged the right rate[1]
- The difference of a week’s worth of energy at April rates compared with March is £3.62 per home on average – and £34 million for the UK[2]
- A number of fixed deals on the market offer savings of around £239 compared with the April price cap for the average household[3]
- Uswitch urges households to submit a meter reading to keep bills accurate, and to compare energy tariffs to beat price hikes.
Nine million households[1] need to read their meter by 1 April to avoid the risk of overpaying on their energy bills by a collective £34 million[2], according to research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
To avoid the higher price cap, which comes into effect on 1 April, households on standard variable tariffs (SVTs) who don’t have a smart meter should record and submit their meter readings on or around 31 March.
Households are also being urged to act now to switch away from price-capped tariffs, with a choice of fixed deals on the market offering savings of around £239 compared with the April price cap for the average household[3]. These are the highest savings seen on the market since May 2024.
Those on SVTs without a smart meter who fail to submit meter readings on or around 1 April risk having some of their usage estimated and possibly charged under the rates which are 6.4% higher.
The difference between a week’s worth of energy at April’s rates compared with March’s is £3.62 for the average household[2]. Therefore, if those nine million households didn’t submit a reading by 1 April and their usage was estimated, just a week's worth of energy at the more expensive rates could see them overpaying by £34 million in total[2].
Energy prices remain volatile, and industry analysts don’t expect to see significant falls in the price cap in the near future. A fixed tariff could help households avoid the price rise and lock in rates for at least a year, with a range of deals currently cheaper than the lower January price cap, let alone the higher April price cap.
Uswitch.com is urging households to submit a meter reading this week and compare energy tariffs to see how they can ditch the price cap and beat the April price rise.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “With the price cap rising on 1 April, it’s important to submit a meter reading to avoid paying higher rates on any energy that you don’t need to.
“Now is also an ideal time to look at switching to a new energy tariff, as there are a range of fixed deals currently available that are around £239 cheaper than the April price cap for the average household.
“By opting for a fixed deal, you’re locking in those rates for the duration – which means households could have price certainty and avoid the ups and downs of the price cap. Make sure you’re happy with how long the contract lasts and the exit fees you may have to pay to leave early.
“There are an increasing number of options, so it’s important to run a comparison to see what is right for you. We’re urging households to run a comparison at Uswitch.com, where you’ll be able to see available tariffs with personalised costs.”
Katharine, 38, lives in Derbyshire and saved an estimated £420 a year by switching to a new fixed deal when hers ended: “I was paying £74 a month but when my deal was about to end, my supplier at the time contacted me to say my rates were going up, as I would be moved onto their standard tariff. The new direct debit was going to be almost £50 a month more expensive, which was a shock!
“I wanted to see if I could get a better deal, so I ran a comparison online - it was quick and easy to do. The results showed me that I didn’t have to be paying so much for my energy. I switched over to a fixed deal and I’m glad I did, because now I know I won’t be hit with price rises, including the April increase.”
Uswitch’s checklist to keep energy bills as low as possible:
CHECK: Check your meter readings are up to date. If you don’t have a smart meter, submit your latest readings on or around 1 April to ensure you’re charged the correct amount for the gas and electricity you’ve used. You should regularly submit meter readings to avoid over or under paying on your bill. Don’t know how to read your meter? Check out this Uswitch guide.
TRACK: Track your usage. It’s worth monitoring how much energy you’re using by downloading the free Uswitch app. The app connects to your smart meter and offers regular insights into your household energy usage and handy energy-saving tips.
CHANGE: Change your energy tariff. Is it time to switch? Energy rates will rise from April, so now’s a great time to assess your options and lock in lower rates. There are a number of reasonably priced fixed tariffs on the market right now, so run a comparison at Uswitch to see the range of tariffs.
Check out the latest energy deals by running a comparison at Uswitch.com.
Notes to editors
1. Number of non-prepayment meter customers on SVTs = 22 million (Ofgem). At the end of July 2024, 57% of all domestic meters operated by large energy suppliers were active smart meters (Smart Meter Statistics in Great Britain). 43% of 22 million customers = 9.46 million.
2. Usage costs are based on average energy consumption (using TDCVs) in March and April, calculated at current and upcoming energy costs and standing charges. The average household uses 1533kWh of gas and 273kWh of electricity in March. At March’s unit rates this equals £97.21 for gas and £67.64 for electricity, or £164.85 in total. In April, the average household uses 876kWh of gas and 191kWh of electricity, costing £61.25 and £51.60 respectively, or £112.85 in total. Energy penalty calculation based on 9.46 million people on SVTs paying £3.62 for an extra week’s worth of energy because they didn’t submit meter readings. 9.46 million x £3.62 = £34,245,200.
3. Outfox the Market, Fix'd Dual Mar25 v2.0, average annual bill £1,610, fixed for 12 months, exit fees £50 per fuel. Available direct via Outfox the Market. Prices correct as of 8:00am on 19 March 2025.
For more information
Beverley Noble | Energy PR Manager
beverley.noble@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to find their energy, broadband and mobile deals than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.