BRITONS URGED TO SUBMIT METER READINGS BEFORE 13% ENERGY PRICE CAP RISE

Approximately 5.3 million households on standard tariffs without smart meters have been advised to submit meter readings before Wednesday, when Ofgem's price cap increases by 13 per cent. Households failing to provide up-to-date readings risk having some of their June consumption charged at the new, higher rates. The regulator sets the price cap, which establishes maximum energy rates for homes on standard tariffs.

For households paying by direct debit, electricity charges will rise from 24.67p per kilowatt hour to 26.11p, whilst gas charges will increase from 5.74p per kWh to 7.33p. The average annual gas and electricity bill will rise by £221 to £1,862, according to official figures. Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at price comparison website Uswitch, stated that customers without smart meters should provide readings before or on Wednesday 1 July to ensure their supplier holds accurate account information. Gallizzi recommended that people on standard tariffs explore alternative suppliers, noting that 27 fixed-rate deals are currently available below the July price cap level.

The timing of the increase coincides with warmer months when household heating use typically declines. A further price cap reset is scheduled for October, though this outcome is considered less certain following a recent interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which has contributed to declines in wholesale gas prices. At the time of reporting, Uswitch's comparison table showed Outfox Energy offering the lowest available rate at £1,577 annually, 15 per cent below the July price cap.