Exact date thousands of British Gas customers must make key check to prevent being overcharged
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THOUSANDS of British Gas customers have just days left to make a key check to prevent being overcharged. Ofgem's price cap will increase from £1,717 a year to £1,738, affecting 26million households on their supplier's standard variable tariff. It's important to note, though, that the price cap is not a limit on the overall amount people will pay for their energy.
![[We've explained how and why you need to take a meter reading below]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mn55d5-british-gas-direct-energy-794709157.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Instead, it caps the amount that they pay per kilowatt hour, or unit, for gas and electricity. This is why it's crucial for those without smart meters to regularly submit meter readings to their energy supplier. An updated meter reading will mean your supplier has a more accurate idea of your usage and bill you accurately.
So if you haven't done this in a while, it's always advised to submit yours before the new price cap comes into force on January 1. However, the exact deadline for submitting readings differs depending on your supplier and some will allow you to backdate the reading from the date it was meant to be submitted.
For example, British Gas customers have until January 14 to send in a reading online via its app, telephone line or web form. You will be given an estimated bill if you fail to provide an updated meter reading by this deadline. This could mean that some of your energy usage ahead of January 1 could be charged at the new higher rate.
