Martin Lewis has urged British Gas, EDF, OVO and Octopus customers to send same email before Monday

Martin Lewis has explained why British Gas, EDF, OVO and Octopus Energy customers should send out an email before Monday.

I know everyone will be enjoying their Easter break this weekend, but the Money Saving Expert founder has suggested that you should send the email out to your energy provider for 'extra peace of mind'.

The 51-year-old has noted that for those who have a working smart meter, 'you don't need to do anything'.

ITV

This all has to do with the new Ofgem price cap, as Lewis has explained to his subscribers what we need to do.

He wrote: "On Easter Monday, 1 April, the new April to June Energy Price Cap kicks in, falling on average by 12% - an improvement, though energy is still hideously costly.

"This Price Cap dictates the rates most people pay for energy, as it sets the max firms in Eng, Scot & Wales can charge for their standard tariffs (and almost all charge the max, natch) - which c. 90 per cent of homes are on (pretty much everyone not on a fix or EV tariff).

"In simple terms, it means on average for every £100 you currently pay, you'll pay £88 from Monday.

"Yet the fact prices are dropping doesn't mean you should sit on your heels, there are Cheaper switches & fixes worth looking at too.

"So let me take you through everything you need know to protect your pocket."

ITV

So, from 1 April to 30 June 2024, energy prices are capped at £1,690 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit.

Lewis explained: "If you've a working smart meter, you don't need to do anything.

"If not, try to give an up-to-date meter reading within a few days either side of the rate change to reduce the risk your supplier estimates you've used more at the current higher rate than you have.

"For extra peace of mind, email yourself a time-stamped pic of the meter."

Lewis' advice this morning comes after he revealed how people can get their hands on genuine free money.

ITV

He's talking about switching bank accounts, with massive cash offers on offer for you to leave your current bank.

He said: "We told you last week that four banks now offered free cash switching deals, a big turnaround from none a few weeks earlier. Yet no apologies for doing it again, as it's all change, and this is likely the week you've the maximum choice of where to go.

"Switchings usually quick and easy. You need to go via the bank's seven-working-day switch service, which closes your old account and auto-moves your balance, standing orders and Direct Debits.

"Once done, any payments to your old account are auto-forwarded. You'll need to pass a not-too-harsh credit check."

When times are harder and more expensive than ever, it's worth a thought!