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Caithness residents urged to submit meter readings as energy price cap falls





Caithness households are being urged to submit meter readings to their energy supplier as the newly lowered Ofgem price cap comes into force.

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is reminding consumers to act before midnight on June 30 to avoid being overcharged.

Those with smart meters should ensure their device is working properly. Accurate readings prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying the old, higher prices to energy used after June 30.

Ofgem resets the cap on what suppliers can charge every three months.

Get your meter readings in by June 30.
Get your meter readings in by June 30.

The latest change from £1,849 to £1,720 on July 1 represents a 7 per cent drop, with average annual bills falling by around £122. However, this is still £582 more than households were paying before the energy crisis began in autumn 2021.

Anyone unable to submit readings by June 30 should do so as close to the date as possible. Taking a photo of the meter can help resolve any disputes.

Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Lower gas and electricity prices will come as a relief for households, but bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began.

“It’s important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent being overcharged.”

Connor Forbes from Advice Direct Scotland. Picture: Mark F Gibson
Connor Forbes from Advice Direct Scotland. Picture: Mark F Gibson

ADS is also urging households to check if better tariffs are available. However, many of the best-value deals are targeted at more affluent customers or those with a smart meter installed.

The next price cap update will be announced by Ofgem in August, with forecasts suggesting a further fall.

However, ADS has warned that many people are still struggling with record levels of debt, and is encouraging anyone worried about bills to contact its experts for free impartial advice.

Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot or on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The charity has been campaigning for a social energy tariff to be introduced across the UK, that would automatically place the most vulnerable customers on the cheapest deals. Eligibility could be based on benefit receipt or low income.


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