- More than seven million households on standard tariffs should submit a meter reading by the end of the month to avoid higher energy rates from 1 October[1]
- The difference of just a week’s worth of energy at September rates compared with October is £17.02 per home – a total of £125 million for the whole UK[2]
- The average household with typical consumption is set to spend £140 on energy in October due to higher usage and rates, compared with £63 in September[2]
- Households are being urged to get a fixed deal now to protect themselves over the winter and beyond
- The cheapest fixed deal on the market offers savings of around £215 compared with the October price cap for the average household[3]
- Uswitch is encouraging households to check their meter readings are up-to-date, track their energy usage, and consider changing their energy deal.
More than seven million households need to read their meter by the end of the month to make sure they avoid higher energy rates from 1 October[1], according to research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
Households on a standard tariff could stand to save hundreds by switching to a cheap fixed deal now, and protect themselves against potential price rises next year.
Homes on a standard tariff with average usage are expected to spend £140 on energy in October, compared with £63 in September[2]. The increase is down to a combination of higher rates and increased usage in autumn.
Those on standard tariffs who do not have a smart meter and do not submit meter readings on or around 1 October risk having some of their September usage charged under the more expensive October rates.
The difference between a week’s worth of energy at September’s rates compared with October’s is £17.02 for the average household. Therefore, if those seven million households forget to read their meter by 1 October, and are incorrectly charged by just a week's worth of energy, they could risk overpaying by £125 million in total[2].
Households are being urged to get a fixed energy deal while prices are still competitive. Right now, there are 25 fixed deals available which are cheaper than the October price cap[3]. The cheapest fixed deal on the market offers savings of around £215 compared with the October price cap for the average household[4].
Global instability and uncertainty in wholesale energy prices, means many industry experts are expecting the price cap to increase again next year[5]. This means that households could face another energy price hike within the next six months.
A fifth (20%) of households without smart meters haven’t submitted their meter readings in the last three months, and 6% haven’t for a whole year[6]. Not submitting meter readings means suppliers base bills on estimated usage — meaning some households could be overpaying, and others may not be paying enough.
A third (33%) of those who have not submitted their readings in the last three months say they don’t need to submit a reading that often, while one in seven (16%) say they forget to[7].
Uswitch.com is urging households without a working smart meter to submit a meter reading this week and compare energy tariffs to see how much they can save on a fixed deal compared to the October price cap.
Households should also check whether their supplier is offering any free energy schemes. These sessions reward households for moving their energy use to off-peak times, and often give several hours of free electricity at the weekend.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “Households should take a moment to read their energy meter in the coming days to avoid the possibility of being charged at October’s higher energy rates.
“Customers who don’t have a smart meter should submit their readings before or on Wednesday 1 October, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account.
“It’s worth seeing if your supplier offers any free energy schemes at off-peak times, which can save a lot of money.
“Energy bill-payers can get ahead of October’s price hike by fixing at cheaper rates now. Currently, there are a range of fixed deals currently available that are around £215 cheaper than the October price cap for the average household.
“If you can switch to a deal cheaper than the October price cap, now is a good time to make the change. We urge customers to run an energy comparison as soon as possible.”
Uswitch’s advice 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 October 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, which connects to your smart meter and offers regular insights into your energy usage and handy energy-saving tips. Keep track of any available schemes from your supplier to claim free hours of energy, which may help you save.
CHANGE: Change your energy tariff. Is it time to switch? Standard energy rates will rise in October, so now’s a great time to assess your options and lock in lower rates with a fixed deal. There are a number of reasonably priced fixed tariffs on the market right now, so run a comparison at Uswitch to get personalised costs.
See if you can save by comparing energy deals at Uswitch.com
For more information
Rianna York | Energy PR Manager
rianna.york@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Research conducted online by Opinium, 6th to 11th June 2025, among 2,002 UK energy bill-payers, weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Number of non-prepayment meter customers on SVTs = 65% of 28.2 million households = 18.3 million (Ofgem). At the end of 2024, 60% of all domestic meters operated by large energy suppliers were active smart meters (Smart Meter Statistics in Great Britain). 40% of 18.3 million customers = 7.32 million.
2. Usage costs are based on average energy consumption (using TDCVs) in September and October, calculated at current and upcoming energy costs and standing charges. The average household uses 219kWh of gas and 191kWh of electricity in September. At September’s unit rates this equals £13.87 for gas and £49.12 for electricity, and £62.99 in total. In October, the average household uses 1205kWh of gas and 245kWh of electricity, costing £75.78 and £64.68 respectively, and £140.46 in total. Energy difference calculation based on 7.32 million people on SVTs paying a difference of £17.02 for the week’s worth of energy because they didn’t submit meter readings. 7.32 million x £17.02 = £124,586,400.
3. Source, Uswitch.com data. Prices correct as of 17:15 on 22 September 2025. Based on suppliers who have updated Uswitch with their rates.
4. Outfox the Market, 2-year Fix'd Dual Jun25 v.0, average annual bill £1,575, fixed for 24 months, exit fees £100 per fuel. Available direct via Outfox the Market. Prices correct as of 4:30pm on 23 September 2025. Based on suppliers who have updated Uswitch with their rates.
5. British Gas: Energy price cap predictions
6. Respondents were asked ‘When did you last submit a meter reading to your gas or electricity provider? Please think about the most recent reading you submitted, whether this was gas or electricity.’ 20% said three months or more ago.
7. Respondents were asked ‘Why haven’t you submitted a meter reading in the last three months?’ 33% said ‘I don’t need to submit meter readings that often.’ 16% said ‘I forget to submit readings.’ 11% said ‘It’s too much hassle.’
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.