MILLIONS of households are facing HUGE bills rises this winter.

With energy bills set to hit £1,578 in October, households need to prepare for the increase.

It's vital that you get ready to tell your energy firm your gas and electricity meter readings before October.

This will reduce your risk of being overcharged when the price cap is raised on October 1.

You'll need to get your latest meter readings in by September 30.

This advice only applies to customers on standard meters.

It doesn't include those who are on prepayment meters or smart meters.

Around 22million households are now on standard variable tariffs that are subject to the price cap, but the exact amount your bill will rise will depend on how much you use.

More than half of households 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 the 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.

An accurate meter reading means you're more likely to get billed for what you are actually using rather than estimated amounts.

Will other help be available?

Energy suppliers are also offering cash grants to those hardest hit by bill rises.

For instance British Gas is giving out up to £750 through its hardship fund.