British Gas issues ‘send now’ reminder ahead of key deadline in HOURS – how to avoid bill error

BRITISH Gas has issued its final warning to customers as they have just hours left to secure an accurate energy bill this month.

Households must submit an energy meter reading before the end of the day in order to ensure their next bill is based on actual usage rather than estimates.

This comes after a change to the energy price cap on October 1.

It means around 28million billpayers on standard variable tariffs will see bills rise 10% according to Ofgem, or around £149 a year on average.

Though remember this is for typical usage for dual fuel, and your  bill can still be higher or lower depending on how much energy you use.

British Gas was one of a handful of suppliers which extended its deadline for customers so that they could have extra time to make sure their readings were accurate on their next bill.

People on a standard variable tariff (SVT) who fail to supply a reading risk their next bill being estimated - meaning they could be overcharged, or undercharged and owe money later on.

The reading, which should be taken as close to the first day of the month as possible, must be submitted by the end of today via the British Gas app, its automated phone line, or the meter reading page on its website.

British Gas is the last supplier to close its deadline - for example, EDF Energy extended until October 9 submissions are now closed.

This gives suppliers enough time to calculate an accurate energy bill which reflects its customers' usage.

British Gas told The Sun: "Our customers can take and submit readings anytime.

"If customers took a reading on October 1, but didn't get a chance to provide it on the day, a form on our website, including on our meter reading page is available until October 14.

"This will allow them to submit the read they took on October 1 and we'll use that reading to calculate what they pay before the rates changed."

If you miss the deadline you can still submit a reading later on, but this may not be applied until the bill after your next one.

The energy price cap changes every three months - in June, the cap fell to the lowest level in two years, from £1,690 to the current rate of £1,568.

According to Ofgem, who sets the limit, an average household bill of £1,568 will now rise to £1,717 as of this month.

The cap places a limit on what suppliers can charge households for energy usage and makes sure that prices for people on an SVT are fair and reflect the cost of energy.

It is calculated base on a range of factors including the current wholesale energy prices, VAT, and network, operating and policy costs.

Households on fixed tariffs or prepayment plans do not need to submit as their rate is either locked in or predetermined and will not be subject to any changes.

Those who have a smart meter also do not need to worry as their device will send automatic meter readings.

If you are unsure what plan you are on, go to your suppliers website or revisit paperwork from when you entered your energy deal.

And if you have missed your supplier's deadline or are concerned about the price cap change as well as other factors affecting your cost of living - help is available.

ENERGY HELP IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING

The British Gas Individual and Families Support Fund has been reopened just in time for the energy price cap change.

And the current package is bigger than ever, with British Gas setting aside a whopping £140 million to help those who are struggling financially.

In the past the trust has helped more than 21,000 customers write off energy debts of up to £2,000.

And unlike many other supplier grants, the fund is open to both British Gas customers and non-customers.

However British Gas asks that households go to their supplier for whatever help is available first.

Applicants must match a range of criteria which can be read on the British Gas website - as well as be able to prove they will reach a sustainable position moving forward.

If you are eligible, British Gas can offer:

• Free energy grants
• Energy advice for vulnerable households
• Tailored support for households and small business customers
• Funding for small businesses and charities

To find out how to apply you can access a form via the British Gas website if you search "Individual and Families Support Fund".

Other individual suppliers are offering support to their customers this winter amid growing concerns about the cost of living.

For example, Octopus Energy has recently launched a scheme for pensioners which offers fresh discretionary credit of between £50 and £200.

While Scottish Power's Hardship Fund has also handed out more than £60 million to struggling customers.

And Utilita also offers grants to its customers to help clear of minimise debt, by operating through its charity partner, Utilita Giving.

Utilita Giving also partners with other charities such as IncomeMax, which helps customers make sure they are claiming what they are entitled to, and Let’s Talk, which provides replacement white goods.

E.ON’s Next Energy Fund also provides grants and appliance replacement services to struggling customers.

To find out what support your energy supplier is offering this colder season, visit their website or ring their helpline (which can be found online).

Further help is available to all households through the Household Support Fund which has renewed a fresh pot of £421 million funding across local councils.

How much each council gets, and the way it deals with its funding, is different - so how much you can get will vary depending on where you live.

To find out whether you are eligible contact your local council.

And if you're unsure which council you are living in you can use the location tool on the Gov.uk website to find out.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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