Martin Lewis reveals exact date you need to do an energy meter reading before April bill rise

MARTIN Lewis has warned households to take meter readings at the right time before energy bills rise.

Most billpayers are on a standard tariff that's subject to the price cap set by regulator Ofgem.

The price cap will go up from £1,277 to £1,971 - an increase of nearly £700.

Exactly how much your energy bill will rise by will depend on how much energy you use though.

Around 22million households will be hit by higher bills from April 1 onwards.

Speaking on his Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV the money saving expert said everyone who pays their bill by direct debit should put a date in their diary to take a meter reading the day before, on March 31.

He said: "That way you draw a line in the sand that says to your energy firm, I've only used this amount at the cheaper rate, don't start charging me more on the higher rate and estimating I use some of it afterwards."

More than half of Brits pay energy bills using direct debit, according to the energy regulator Ofgem.

The amount you pay for energy via direct debit is "smoothed" out over a year.

It means you pay the same amount each month, even when your energy usage changes - you generally use more gas and electric in winter and less in summer.

But the charge for that energy will change on April 1, so taking a reading the day before on March 31 means you - and your energy firm - know exactly how much energy you have used under the lower price.

And you then have a clear date from which the higher prices apply.

Meanwhile, Martin reminded households on prepayment meters they can avoid price hikes for longer by stockpiling energy.

If you have a non-smart prepayment meter, you won't have to pay the new higher rates until you top up for the first time after April 1.