What to do if you can’t submit your meter reading as energy websites crash | Personal Finance | Finance
Brits have struggled to submit meter readings today ahead of energy price increases coming into affect tomorrow, April 1. Websites of leading providers are struggling to cope with the onslaught of customers, with phone lines also having issues.
As of April 1, millions of households will see their energy bills increase to £1,971 as the energy price cap rises.
So today, Brits have rushed to submit meter readings – but found themselves unable to access their provider’s website.
SSE, British Gas, E.ON and EDF are among the providers with website issues.
Money expert Martin Lewis has been advising Brits to submit their meter readings today – dubbing it #MeterReadingDay.
What to do if you can’t submit your meter reading
First of all, don’t panic. Then, make sure you take a picture of your meter. This will help you prove your reading for today’s date.
Your company may not need the reading to be submitted on the day it was taken, as some such as Octopus Energy accept readings up to five days after the prices increase.
Companies may have different methods for submitting a reading, so make sure to research yours.
This could be via an app, the website or over the phone.
Your energy provider should have a page detailing how to contact them, which may have a live chat feature, phone number or email address.
Octopus energy CEO Greg Jackson has confirmed that companies will backdate energy readings if customers cannot submit them today.
Customers have taken to social media to complain about apps, website and phone lines crashing.
Twitter user @sean_Qpr said: “How bad is the British gas app, won’t submit a metre reading or let me talk to anyone”.
User @DavidCurrey9 said: “@ShellEnergyHome trying to leave a metre reading. Can’t access the website. Can’t access the app and Phone service not available either. What’s going on? Trying to avoid people getting They’re readings in?”
