Submitting meter readings before October 1 can prevent energy provider websites from crashing as millions attempt to avoid paying the upcoming higher energy bill.

Households have been asked to submit meter readings to energy providers before Saturday’s energy cap increase.

According to energy experts, submitting up-to-date readings before then will prohibit companies from estimating electricity use and charging a higher rate for energy consumed before the price hike.

The energy regulator, Ofgem, said on 1 October that it would increase the energy ceiling to £3,549, but the government intervened with the energy price guarantee, which capped the average household’s expenditure at £2,500.

Energy UK asked users to take immediate action to prevent energy websites from failing, as was the case before the energy ceiling was last raised on 1 April.

The trade association stated that large call numbers and website traffic were to be anticipated, and advised clients to determine beforehand the optimal method for submitting readings. Suppliers had provided a variety of methods, including SMS, email, applications, and online account entries, for receiving readings.

Due in part to the conflict in Ukraine, wholesale energy prices have increased, and so have prices for homeowners. Last summer, the cap was £1,138; on 1 April of this year, it increased by 54% to £1,971.

As part of the cost of living support package, households will also get a non-repayable £400 payment from the government, paid directly to energy accounts over six months in installments of £66 and £67.

Frazer Scott, chief executive of the charity Energy Action Scotland, said, “This week, every family in the United Kingdom must submit a meter reading to their energy provider to avoid paying a cent more than necessary when rates increase on October 1.”

“Fuel poverty is at record levels, energy efficiency improvements are just insufficient to bring relief, and financial assistance is merely a bandage over the deepest wounds.”

“As unit costs for power and gas continue to drive up utility rates in October, communities will suffer for years before they can recover. Meanwhile, the consequences of fuel poverty will be felt by the National Health Service and social care system, and lives will be wasted needlessly.