A Tavistock-based energy advice organisation has urged West Devon residents to check their meter reading before March 31 to ensure they are not over-charged when the new rates kick in next month.

Tamar Energy Community has advised residents to send a meter reading to their energy supplier before April to ensure that any usage is charged at the old rate.

The not-for-profit organisation has also assured customers on a ‘non-smart’ pre-payment meter that they need not worry as rates on the meter should not increase until they add more credit. However pay-as-you-go customers have also been reminded that the units will be ‘re-priced’ on your meter after April 1 even if they still have credit.

Customers who are concerned about their ability to pay or if have built up a debt, have been advised to contact their energy supplier, let them know, and ask them to work with them to find an affordable solutionas the energy companies are obliged, under Ofgem regulations, to take affordability into account.

It has also been suggested that customers work at reducing their energy consumption. The amount of energy consumed, particularly during peak periods, puts pressure on energy supply and on the prices. This is particularly true in the period between 16:00 and 20:00 each day.

The organisation has suggested using less energy intensive methods of cooking food such as microwaves (reduced cooking times) and slow cooking (much lower power use over a longer period). Anyone interested in learning more about using a slow cooker should get in touch with Tamar Energy Community.

The community organisation is currently recruiting for home energy advisors to support struggling residents and ensure that it can meet the need of the community. It is also keen to talk to local domestic energy assessors and Retrofit professionals or anyone interested in assisting them and has invited volunteers to join the team.

It is estimated that after the energy cap rise this April, users on a standard tariff could see a rise of nearly £700 in their annual energy bill, while those on a prepayment meter will see an average increase of £708 per year.

It is feared energy prices could rise further if Russian president Vladimir Putin retaliates to imposed sanctions on the country following its invasion of Ukraine by restricting gas supply.

Anyone needing help with their energy management can call or email Tamar Energy Community (TEC) on 0800-233-5414 or [email protected]. It also has an online request form here: https://tamarenergycommunity.com/request-support/

For more information on money saving techniques for prepayment meter visit, Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert website at www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/02/prepay-for-your-energy--you-could-keep-today-s-cheaper-rates-for/