Just four days left to avoid paying more than you should as energy bills jump on 1 July

Millions of households have just four days left to take one simple step that could stop them being overcharged when energy bills rise this Wednesday.

From 1 July, the energy price cap will increase by 13%, pushing the typical annual bill for a household paying by Direct Debit from £1,641 to £1,862 - an extra £221 a year, or around £18 a month. The rise affects anyone on a standard variable tariff.

While there's little you can do to avoid the higher prices, there is one job you should do before the new rates kick in - submit a meter reading.

If your supplier doesn't have an up-to-date reading, it might estimate how much energy you've used before and after the price rise. That means you could end up paying the new, more expensive rates for energy you actually used while prices were lower.

If you have a smart meter that automatically sends readings, you don't need to do anything. But if you have a traditional meter - or your smart meter isn't sending readings correctly - it takes just a couple of minutes to submit one through your supplier's website or app.

Why it's worth doing

Submitting a meter reading before 1 July creates an accurate record of your energy use before prices increase. It means you'll only pay the higher rates for the energy you use after the new price cap comes into force.

To be safe, take a photo of your gas and electricity meters before submitting the readings and keep it until your next bill arrives.

Worried about rising energy bills?

If you're already struggling to keep up with your energy costs, don't wait until you fall behind.

Contact your supplier as soon as possible. Many offer repayment plans, hardship funds and grants for customers who are finding it difficult to pay. It's also worth checking if you're entitled to benefits by using our free benefit calculator or other financial support that could help ease the pressure.

The sooner you ask for help, the more options you'll have.