Millions of households across the UK are being urged to take immediate action on their energy meters to prevent billing disputes and overcharges. With a nationwide energy price increase set for 1 January 2026, customers of major suppliers have a narrow window to submit accurate readings.
Why You Must Act Before New Year's Day
Financial advice champion Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, has issued a stark warning. The site explains that most households will see their energy costs rise from New Year's Day. To ensure you are billed correctly for the energy used before and after this change, submitting a meter reading is crucial.
"To avoid being charged more than you should, it's a good idea to give a meter reading to your supplier as soon as possible," the guidance states. While some suppliers allow backdated readings for a few days after 1 January, acting now is the safest way to prevent any disagreement over usage.
Supplier Deadlines and How to Submit Your Reading
Each major energy provider has set a different deadline and offers various methods for customers to submit their meter readings. The clock is ticking, with some deadlines falling within the first week of January.
British Gas customers have until 14 January to submit readings via their online account, the official app, a web form, or by calling 0330 054 5340 (24/7).
EDF Energy has set a deadline of 9 January. Readings can be provided through the online account, app, an online form, email, WhatsApp, text message, or phone.
For E.on Next clients, the cut-off is 6 January. Submissions are accepted via the online account, app, email, or telephone.
Octopus Energy customers must act by 8 January, using their online account, a web form, the app, or email.
OVO Energy users have until 11 January to submit readings through their online account, the OVO app, or over the phone.
Smart Meters vs. Traditional Meters: What You Need to Know
This urgent call to action primarily affects households with traditional, non-smart meters. These meters have analogue displays or dials and require customers to manually submit readings so suppliers can calculate accurate bills.
As British Gas notes, sending regular readings is essential "to make sure we bill you accurately and that you pay the right amount for the gas and electricity that you use at home."
In contrast, smart meters automatically send readings to the supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions and ensuring bills are always based on actual consumption. They also come with an in-home display showing usage in pounds and pence.
For those without a smart meter, failing to provide a timely reading around a price change date means your supplier will estimate your usage. This can lead to you being charged at the new, higher rate for energy you actually used before the increase, resulting in an inflated bill.
Taking five minutes to submit your reading now is a simple step to guarantee you only pay for what you use and avoid a potential billing dispute in the new year.
