People are being urged to act as soon as possible to avoid energy websites crashing, which has been known to happen in previous years.
Friday 30 September is being called 'meter reading day' ahead of the new prices due to come in at the beginning of October.
People across the UK are being urged to submit electricity readings ahead of the energy price cap rise tomorrow, reports The Manc.
Looking to save a few pennies on your energy bills this winter? Well, experts over at Energy UK are calling on the public to submit their latest meter readings before the energy price cap rise on 1 October in order to prevent electricity companies from estimating your electricity use, and thus charging the higher rate for energy used before the price is increased.
With millions set to submit up-to-date electricity readings before the energy price cap rise, various electricity suppliers have offered numerous channels to allow readings to be received - including text, email, apps, and online account submissions.
With the rising cost of living crisis continuing to make its impact felt, and with people fearing unprecedented prices this winter, the UK government has also announced that households will receive a non-repayable £400 payment as part of the support package.
This will be paid directly to energy accounts over six months in instalments of £66 and £67.
When should I take meter readings?
Friday 30 September is being called ‘meter reading day’, and it's recommended that you submit meter readings to your provider preferably in the afternoon or evening, as unit prices will increase from Saturday.
If you can’t submit your readings on Friday, then you should submit them as soon as you can.
Most energy providers will let you back-date meter readings for around a week, but it’s always worth double checking first before you go to do this.
Why should I be submitting meter readings? What are the experts saying?
Money saving expert Martin Lewis is one of those encouraging people to submit meter readings.
He explained: "If you pay by direct debit, firms estimate your usage, and assign it to a certain period, so for those who normally submit readings, doing it close to the date prices are due to change means there's no estimate and no discrepancies.
"It's worth taking a picture of the meter for belt 'n' braces evidence too."
Featured Image - British Gas
News
UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues issued due to wildfire risk
A nationwide temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued.
Following the UK's fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel 'sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode'.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a 'tinderbox' and urged 'all retailers big and small' to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product - including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market - and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: "During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
"They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
"These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks."
Featured Image - Dom (via Unsplash)
News
A brand-new kite festival is coming to a country house in Leeds next weekend
Clementine Hall
Colourful kites will paint the sky next weekend as Lotherton Hall is gearing up for its first ever Kite Festival.
Taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, over 30 kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes will take to the sky, flown by professional fliers from all over the country.
Visitors can expect some of the world’s largest inflatable kites, and you may even spot some in the shape of your favourite character.
Not only that, but children can bring in their bravest teddies that will, weather permitting, be dropped from the sky, equipped with parachutes so they can sail down safely to their owners.
Image: Supplied
Entry to the kite festival is included in the Lotherton Hall admission, where there will also be a fun house, bumper cars and face painting as well as food stalls to keep you fuelled up for the day.
The festival is organised by The Northern Kite Group who are behind the hugely popular kite festivals in Filey, Bridlington and Redcar, so you just know we're in for a treat.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this kite festival to Lotherton for the very first time, one which I’m sure will be a brilliant day out for the whole family.
“Lotherton is one of our most loved attractions and it has so much to offer for the summer, with a full activity schedule for the school holidays as well as Wildlife World and deer park tours.”
Sarah Duncalf, secretary from Northern Kite Group said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing a kite festival to Lotherton this summer. The sight of spectacular kites filling the sky is something visitors won’t want to miss.
“From giant inflatable characters and breathtaking displays to our ever-popular teddy bear parachute drop, there will be plenty to entertain the whole family. We’re looking forward to creating a weekend full of colour, excitement and unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
The Hoot -
30th September 2022 
