The important reason you need to take a meter reading TODAY—Martin Lewis explains how to avoid 54% increase on your bills

There's an important reason behind why you need to take a meter reading TODAY, says money-saving expert Martin Lewis. Here's why you need to act now, to avoid a 54% increase on your bills.

It's no secret that the ongoing energy crisis has left many desperately wondering how to save on energy bills. Worryingly, even as the summer months approach and people use less central heating—electricity bills are still of concern.

Martin tweeted about why, "Thurs 31 Mar is energy #MeterReadingDay." Explaining that you need to check your meters, so "firms can't assign some of your current usage to April when rates are 54% higher."

Addressing the different types of meters he explained, "Not smart meter? Send a reading (later in the day the better)." Addressing those on smart or prepay meters, he added, "Just take a meter pic for safety (in case of dispute)."

According to OFGEM, the energy price cap increases from April 1, 2022, and will hit approximately 22M customers across the nation. They explain, "Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year (difference due to rounding). Prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017."

This hike comes as food banks in the UK are on their knees owing to the ongoing cost of living crisis, which is hitting those who were already suffering most. Not only are cupboards empty, but the energy used for cooking is also inaccessible.

Richard Walker, the managing director at supermarket chain Iceland, discussed the problems faced by many during the cost of living crisis on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. He called it, "the single most important domestic issue we are facing as a country.” 

The Guardian reports that the managing director added, “It is incredibly concerning. We are hearing of some food bank users declining products such as potatoes and other root veg because they can’t afford to boil them.”