I’m an energy expert – eight bill checks you need to do NOW to fight rising bills
CONSUMER king Martyn James shares the eight big energy bill checks you need to do NOW before bills go up.
1. Is your bill right? Even before the energy crisis, regulator Ofgem found that energy firms had made more than one million errors while switching people to new providers.
Take a look at your bill and complain if it seems unrealistically high.
If the firm has relied too much on estimated readings, then they shouldn’t be hitting you with a huge bill when they get the real readings.
Energy firms are not allowed to bill you for debts accrued more than 12 months ago that they have just noticed. You can find out more at .
2. Get some tech. An energy monitor can help you keep on top of how much energy you are using. Ask your energy provider for a free smart meter. Try the Plugwise app or check online for a low-cost energy monitor.
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3. Check your meter is working properly. If you are worried you seem to be using far too much energy, the meter could be faulty. Ask your supplier to come out and assess it.
4. Is your unit right? For gas, check if you’re being billed in cubic metres or cubic feet and ensure the meter tallies up.
5. Get into the habit of taking monthly readings so you get accurate bills. Ensure you take a reading on September 30 before the price cap increases.
6. Pay by direct debit. On average, bills are six per cent cheaper this way than with other payment methods.
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7. Are you in credit? If you’ve been with the same provider for a while, check now if you have accrued any credit to help manage the cost of your winter bills.
8. Ask your supplier for a variable direct debit. These aren’t widely advertised but mean you only pay for the energy you use that month. However, you’ll have to be organised, give regular meter readings and be able to budget for bigger winter bills.
