UK Households Warned to Verify Smart Meters Before Clock Change to Prevent Overcharging
Households across the United Kingdom are being strongly advised to check their smart meters in preparation for the upcoming clock change, as a technical glitch could lead to some consumers inadvertently paying double for their electricity usage. This warning comes from comparison site MoneySuperMarket, which highlights that homes on Economy 7 tariffs may be particularly at risk if their meters fail to update automatically when the clocks spring forward.
Potential for Significant Financial Impact
The spring clock change is scheduled to occur at 1am on March 26, 2026, advancing time by one hour. For those on economy tariffs, off-peak hours—typically set between midnight and 7am—are crucial for accessing cheaper electricity rates. If a smart meter does not adjust to the new time, there could be a mismatch between the off-peak hours recorded by the meter and the actual times charged by the energy supplier.
Kara Gammell, an energy expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained the consequences: "If your meter hasn’t updated automatically, there could be a discrepancy between the off-peak hours your meter is recording and the times your supplier is actually charging for—and these may differ by more than you realise. While it might only be an hour’s difference, that gap can gradually accumulate, especially if you’re using energy-intensive appliances during what you believe to be your cheaper-rate window."
Steps to Avoid Overpayment
To prevent unnecessary charges, households are encouraged to take proactive measures:
- Conduct a quick check of your smart meter settings to ensure they align with the updated clock time.
- If the meter has not updated, manually adjust appliance timers to correspond with the correct off-peak window.
- Contact your energy supplier if any irregularities are detected; they can often update the settings remotely or arrange for an engineer visit if necessary.
Gammell emphasised that a simple verification costs nothing and could save consumers from gradually escalating bills. This issue underscores the importance of staying vigilant with energy management, particularly as cost-of-living pressures persist. By addressing this glitch promptly, households can ensure they are not overpaying for their electricity during the transition to daylight saving time.
