Energy cap: Submit electricity meter readings now to save money, urge energy experts

Published

3 years ago

September 29, 2022

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Households have been urged to submit electricity meter readings to power providers before the energy cap rise on Saturday.

Submitting up-to-date readings before then will prevent companies from estimating electricity use and charging the higher rate for energy used before the price is increased, energy experts have said.

Ofgem, the energy regulator, said it would raise the energy cap to £3,549 from 1 October, but the government intervened with the energy price guarantee, which capped a typical household’s bill at £2,500.

Energy UK urged consumers to act as soon as possible to avoid energy websites crashing should millions try to upload readings at once, as was the case before the energy cap was last increased on 1 April.

The industry body said high call volumes and website traffic were expected, and recommended customers check beforehand for the best way to submit readings. Suppliers had offered numerous channels including text, email, apps and online account submissions to allow readings to be received.

As wholesale energy prices have risen, prompted in part by the war in Ukraine, so too have prices for households. Last summer the cap was £1,138 but on 1 April this year it went up to £1,971, a 54% increase.

Households will also receive a non-repayable £400 payment from the government as part of the cost of living support package, paid directly to energy accounts over six months in instalments of £66 and £67.

Frazer Scott, chief executive of Energy Action Scotland, a charity, said: “This week, every household across the UK must make sure it submits a meter reading to their energy firm to avoid paying a penny more than they absolutely have to when prices go up on October 1.

“Fuel poverty is at record levels, levels of energy efficiency improvements are simply too low to provide respite and financial support is just a sticking plaster on the deepest of wounds.”

“As unit costs for electricity and gas push bills higher still in October, communities will suffer and take years to recover. Meanwhile the impact of fuel poverty will be felt on the NHS and social care system and lives will be needlessly lost.”

UK

Two killed in stabbing at business premises in London

Published

5 hours ago

July 28, 2025

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Two killed in stabbing at business premises in London

Two men have died after a stabbing in central London.

Police were called to a business premises in Long Lane, Southwark, at 1pm on Monday, where they found four people had been stabbed.

A 58-year-old man died at the scene while three others were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan Police said. These included a 27-year-old man who has since died.

A third man, who is in his thirties, remains in hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Another man in his thirties, who has been detained in connection with the incident, remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances of this shocking incident.

“At this point, we do not believe it to be terrorism-related and there is no further risk to the public.”

UK

Lionesses celebrate Euros triumph at ‘very special’ Downing Street reception

Published

6 hours ago

July 28, 2025

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Lionesses celebrate Euros triumph at 'very special' Downing Street reception

The red carpet was rolled out at No 10 on Monday evening as the Lionesses attended a reception to celebrate their Euro 2025 victory.

The England squad went straight to Downing Street after touching down at Southend Airport in Essex less than 24 hours after they defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Sunday’s final.

Led by captain Leah Williamson, who proudly clutched the trophy, the side posed for pictures outside No 10 before being greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Speaking to Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag after the 40-minute reception, England manager Sarina Wiegman described the celebration as “very, very special”.

“To be able to go inside and also be in the garden there, [was] really nice,” she said. “They had put up pictures of us to show what we had done in the Euros… it was very, very special.”

Some people on social media have called for the England boss – who is from the Netherlands – to get an honorary damehood, but Wiegman told Ashna Hurynag that she “hasn’t thought about that”.

“I feel so much respect from England and from the Royal Family too, I think that’s the most important thing, feeling valued,” she said.

Weigman also joined some of the players to videocall Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Scotland with Donald Trump.

In a speech at the reception, the manager quipped: “I have to make my apologies [for giving] you lots of heart attacks.”

“We made it through and that’s why we’re here now,” she continued.

“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary. Thank you so much for having us here.”

As the Lionesses left Downing Street, some stopped to try and meet another famous feline – Larry the Cat.

The celebrations will continue on Tuesday afternoon with an open-top bus parade through central London before the team gather outside Buckingham Palace.

The Lionesses retained their Women’s Euros title on Sunday night by beating Spain in Basel, Switzerland.