Latest news with #Gallizzi
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
People urged to still send in energy meter readings as new price cap kicks in
The typical household bill for those who have not signed up to a fixed tariff has dropped by £129 to £1,720 per year when the regulator's new price cap came into force today (July 1) Households have been encouraged to submit their meter readings as the energy price cap decreases by seven per cent today. The average household bill for those who haven't yet committed to a fixed tariff has reduced by £129 to £1,720 annually when the regulator's new price cap - which determines the maximum amount companies can charge customers per unit of energy - took effect on July 1. This is £660 (28%) less than during the peak of the energy crisis at the beginning of 2023 when the UK Government introduced the energy price guarantee. However, prices are still high with the forthcoming level being £152 (10%) more than the same period last year. The price cap doesn't restrict the total amount people pay for their energy bills - the more energy consumed, the higher the cost and vice versa. Providing a meter reading ensures that those who pay via Direct Debit receive an accurate bill next month, rather than an estimate based on usage at the previous rate. While approximately 35 per cent of domestic customers have actively chosen a fixed deal not subject to the price cap, around 22 million households in Scotland, England, and Wales remain under the energy price cap. These households should take their meter readings this week to ensure they benefit from the reduced energy prices from 1st July, reports the Daily Record. Research conducted for comparison website Uswitch indicates that 20% of households without smart meters have not submitted their meter readings in the past three months, with 6% failing to do so for an entire year. Uswitch estimates that homes on a standard price cap tariff with average usage are projected to spend £63 on energy in July, compared to £113 in June. This decrease is attributed to a combination of lower unit rates and reduced usage during the summer months. The company encourages households to take advantage of competitive prices by signing up for a fixed deal. It highlighted that there are currently 10 fixed deals on offer that are cheaper than the July price cap, with the most affordable option saving the average household approximately £145. Uswitch's energy spokesperson, Ben Gallizzi, advised: "Customers who don't have a smart meter should submit their readings before or on Tuesday 1 July, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account." He added: "There's a lot of uncertainty about global energy costs at the moment, which has led industry experts to predict a rise in energy bills and in the price cap this autumn." Gallizzi further suggested: "But households can get ahead of this possible price hike by fixing at cheaper rates now. Currently, there are a range of fixed deals currently available that are around £145 cheaper than the July price cap for the average household." He concluded: "If you can switch to a deal cheaper than the July price cap, now is a good time to make the change. We urge customers to run an energy comparison as soon as possible." Ofgem has issued a reminder to households that they needn't stick with the price cap, asserting "there are better deals out there". Emily Seymour, energy expert at Which?, commented on the changes, saying: "Consumers will be relieved that the energy price cap will fall by 7 per cent from 1st July. "The change to energy prices means that the summer could be a good time to shop around for fixed deals. As a rule of thumb, we'd recommend looking for deals cheaper than the price cap, not longer than 12 months and without significant exit fees. "If you are on a fixed deal from earlier in the year which leaves you paying more than the July price cap then you might be considering switching early. "Check whether your contract has exit fees - if yours has no or low fees it could be worth changing to a new tariff. Some contracts charge large fees to leave early, which would cancel out any savings. "If you've not yet fixed a deal and your variable rates are changing from 1 July, submit a meter reading to ensure you pay the cheaper rates for any energy used after the new price cap takes effect."
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Millions told act 'in next 5 days' or face energy bills overcharge
Experts say households on standard variable tariffs could save £50 next month alone, with the average energy bill expected to fall from £113 in June to £63 in July Households across the UK are being urged to take a meter reading before the month's end or risk missing out on cheaper energy bills. Over seven million properties could be overcharged from 1 July if they don't provide their latest gas and electricity readings, has warned. Energy specialists have calculated that those on standard variable tariffs could pocket an extra £50 in July due to reduced summer consumption and a decrease in the energy price cap, with average bills expected to drop from £113 in June to £63 in July. However, customers without smart meters who fail to submit a reading may be charged at the higher June rates, potentially costing up to £1.93 more per week. The collective cost for all homes missing the cut-off could exceed £14 million in a single week, reports the Express. Ben Gallizzi, Uswitch energy guru, advised: "If you want to make the most of lower prices this summer, read your meter before July 1. It only takes a minute, and it could save you money. Without an accurate reading, suppliers may assume your usage falls into the old June pricing - meaning you pay more than you should." This advice comes as experts warn of potential energy price hikes this autumn, with Middle Eastern turmoil pushing wholesale costs up. The energy price cap is anticipated to increase in October, coinciding with a surge in demand due to cooler temperatures. In light of looming autumn price surges, customers are urged to contemplate switching sooner rather than later. Uswitch has revealed that there are 10 fixed tariffs cheaper than the expected July price cap, with potential yearly savings averaging about £145. Gallizzi said: "There's a lot of global uncertainty at the moment. Fixing your energy deal now could help you stay ahead of any future hikes. If you can switch to a tariff cheaper than the July price cap, now is a good time to do it." This imperative suggestion arrives as numerous families confess to falling out of the practice of submitting meter readings regularly. A fifth of Brits lacking a smart meter have failed to communicate a reading to their provider in the past three months, while 6% have neglected this for over a year. Absent-mindedness and perplexity are to blame. One third believed it unnecessary to send readings often, whilst 16% simply forgot. Uswitch is offering a straightforward three-step checklist to aid consumers in keeping their bills in check: CHECK: If you don't possess a smart meter, put in a meter reading prior to July 1 to guarantee you're paying correctly for the actual energy consumed. TRACK: Use a smart meter or an energy tracking app to watch over your consumption; it's a beneficial way to identify patterns and reduce waste. CHANGE: Think about changing to a fixed-rate arrangement now, before the prices escalate yet again in October. For further support and guidance, including details on how to read your meter, head to
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Where you place your thermostat could impact energy bills, expert warns
Energy bills are set to see a spike soon as Ofgem announced its price cap is increasing for a third consecutive time. From 1 April, the cost of energy for an average household will rise to £1,849, a 6.4 per cent increase from £1,738. The announcement has left many households looking for ways to reduce their spending ahead of the April rise. Money experts like Martin Lewis have recommended looking for below-cap fixed deals that will likely save money across the year. It's also important that those eligible make sure they take advantage of schemes like the Warm Home Discount and Household Support Fund. But something as simple as where you place your thermostat could be putting your household at risk of an unnecessarily elevated energy bill. This is because the location of the thermostat can affect how the heating system operates in your home. The issue has been highlighted by Ben Gallizzi, an energy specialist at He explains: 'Deciding where to place your thermostat is important because it can affect how well your heating works. 'Placing it in a room that is colder than the rest of the house, such as a hallway, is a bad idea as it will turn on and off at the wrong times. "For example, if you open the front door and let in cold air, then the thermostat may tell your heating system to send out more heat as it thinks the whole house is below your desired temperature," he adds. And it also works the other way. Placing the thermostat next to a source of warmth like a radiator or window in direct sunlight can also 'skew the readings' says Mr Gallizzi. This can turn the heating off prematurely, before the entire area reaches the set temperature. While this might actually mean less money is spent on heating, those who need a warmer home might want to check they aren't getting less than desired. So where is a good place to put the thermostat? According to Mr Gallizzi, it is the room you use the most, such as the living room. He says this is because it's where 'it's easiest to control the temperature, and in an area of good airflow.' One of the key things for households with a thermostat to consider is also the heat they set it to. The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating a home to between 18 and 21 degrees in the winter. However, turning down your thermostat by just one degree can lower energy bills by up to 10 per cent, meaning it is worth checking that you've picked the optimal heat setting.
