E.On and British Gas websites crash in rush to submit meter readings before price hike
Energy websites across Britain crashed on Thursday as millions rushed to submit meter readings ahead of Friday's energy price hike.
According to Downdetector, E.ON, Scottish Power, British Gas SSE, and EDF all struggled throughout the day.
Issues started occurring early on Thursday and people were still struggling to access the websites by 3pm.
It comes as experts urge people to submit meter readings to their supplier as late as possible on Thursday to show exactly how much energy they use ahead of the increase.
This will prevent firms from estimating usage and potentially charging for energy used before 1 April at the higher rate.
E.on and Octopus Energy appeared to jokingly blame Moneysavingexpert Martin Lewis for the issues, as he had been rallying people to submit their readings.
The jokes left a bad taste in some people's mouths and E.on later apologised for the remarks.
Brits across the country will see their outgoings increase from amid warnings the cost of living crisis could plunge 1.3 million people - including 500,000 children - into absolute poverty.
Read more: Cost of living crisis: UK shop prices rise at highest rate since 2011
Unless you have a smart meter, you need to submit meter readings or your suppliers will estimate how much energy they think you've used.
Increases in prices have been fuelled by several factors, including higher than expected demand following the COVID lockdown and squeezed demand. Global prices have spiked again due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Energy bills are expected to be hiked by 54% as the energy price cap is raised from £1,277 to £1,971 a year.
It means the monthly energy bill of a typical user on the price cap will rise by £57.83 to £164.25.
Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) warned the cost of heating an average home has now doubled in 18 months, leaving 6.5 million households unable to live in a warm safe home across the UK.
Watch: Pensioner says she's 'frightened to put the heating on' amid cost of living crisis
NEA chief executive Adam Scorer said: “This is the biggest energy price shock in living memory.
“Millions of people will be priced out of adequate levels of heating and power. For all the anticipation of these price rises, many people on the lowest incomes will be crushed by the reality.
“Quality of life for millions of people will plummet. Warm homes, cooked food, hot water, clean clothes – all cut back or cut out. Debt will spiral. Physical and mental health will suffer.
“This energy crisis is about to bite down hard on those least able to cope. Charities like NEA will try to pick up the pieces for those in greatest need. It will be a near impossible task.
“Last week, the UK Government chose not to prioritise support for those on the lowest incomes. It has crossed its fingers that the market will right itself. This ‘wait and see’ policy could cost lives next winter.”
