Brits Struggle To Enter Their Meter Readings On Deadline Day Due To 'Technical Difficulties'

Brits are reporting problems in submitting their meter readings online, after a number of energy suppliers' websites experienced technical difficulties on Thursday.

With Brits having been advised this week to take a meter reading before the end of the month, many have been trying to submit their latest readings online, ahead of the energy price cap increase on 1st April.

But it seems many customers are encountering problems, with some websites and apps unable to accept readings.

According to customers, the British Gas website is refusing to accept meter readings, meanwhile over on the EDF website, customers trying to sign into their accounts are met with an error message, explaining 'the server is experiencing technical problems'.

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One person wrote on Twitter: "Just tried to log a meter reading and the EDF app and website are down for essential maintenance @edfenergy great timing!"

While another said: "EDF are not accepting readings at present. 9:30am. Saying 'Unable to process your meter reading online at the moment'. Also can’t access account. Saying 'sorry there is a hitch and we cannot access your data right now'."

And a third added: "Just tried to submit my meter reading to EDF and the website is currently having essential maintenance carried out."

Commenting on British Gas, another added: "How do I update my meter reading when your website has crashed??"

While a fifth tweeted: "The advice is for everyone to submit a meter reading today. British Gas website seems to be down & won't let you login & the meter reading service also seems to be non functional," said a sixth.

Another added: "Exactly how would you like me to submit a meter reading @BritishGas when this is all I get when I try to log in either online or via the app?!"

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It's also reported that other suppliers, such as Shell Energy and Scottish Power, are also facing similar technical problems.

Shell Energy responded to one customer on Twitter: "We are aware that the website and app has crashed due to the high volumes of people trying to submit reads but if you'd like to send us a message with your account number and reads we can submit these for you!"

British Gas advised a customer to do similar via Twitter DM, while Scottish Power has said customers can use their app or call their phone lines to submit a reading.

Tyla has reached out to the above suppliers for comment. A Shell Energy spokesperson said: "Our website is experiencing disruption as we deal with a surge in the number of customers trying to access their account. Our teams are working hard to keep it online and we thank customers for their patience.”

And a Scottish Power spokesperson said: “We are aware of an issue some of our customers are facing trying to log their meter readings on our website and are working to have the issue resolved as quickly as possible. For our affected customers, our android and IOS apps are working and customers can still log their meter readings there.”

Many concerned customers have contacted Martin Lewis about the technical problems. The money saving expert took to his social media where he urged energy regulator Ofgem to get involved.

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"I'm getting many many reports of people struggling to submit meter readings. The volume isn't unexpected. Firms really should've been better prepared. It's not good enough @ofgem please can you look into this," he said.

Earlier this week, the financial guru urged Brits to take a meter reading before the end of the month.

From Friday 1st April, energy prices are set to rocket in price, with Ofgem's price cap rising from £1,277 to £1,971. This means the average household bill could be increasing by around £693 per year.

By taking a meter reading the day before the price cap increases, you can tell your energy provider how much electricity you used before the new prices are introduced.

Speaking on his ITV show The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, he explained: "That way you draw a line in the sand that says to your energy firm, I've only used this amount at the cheaper rate.

“Don't start charging me more on the higher rate and estimating I use some of it afterwards.”

You can read more on that here.

Topics: News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine