Request households to read the energy meter when the price increases

Bill payers were urged to provide meter readings as household energy prices rose by 13 per cent for millions of people in England, Scotland and Wales on Wednesday.

The tariff is affected by regulator Ofgem’s price cap and anyone who doesn’t have a smart meter should take a reading to avoid paying the new higher price they used in the past.

Price increases driven by higher gas costs may have a relatively limited impact due to warmer weather and lower energy use during the summer months.

But the high energy prices caused by the collapse of the US-Israeli war with Iran are likely to continue into the winter, according to analysts at consultancy Cornwall Insights.

A very small 0.5% drop was forecast in Offgem’s price revisions for October, adding fresh pressure on the government to help those in need.

Ministers announced reforms to reduce bills earlier this year. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also hinted that some targeted support could be offered in the autumn, although she will be replaced in the new Labor leadership, and not increase prices as much as feared before the US-Iran deal.

“The Iran ceasefire has given the markets some breathing room, but it’s not a solution to the conflict, it’s a pause,” said Craig Lowery, chief adviser at Cornwall Insight.

“Even in the best case scenario, the lasting effects of the conflict will be with us for some time.”