Martin Lewis shares 3 energy tips during 'most uncertain period'

The financial journalist opened the one-hour special, addressing viewers: "We are in extraordinary and pretty darn awful times"

The MoneySaving Expert founder also called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to make a drastic change in his spring statement at the end of March to help stop the cost of living crisis. 

Mr Lewis also said that we are also living through the 'most uncertain period' in energy since the second world war but there are things we can do to help reduce the pressure. 

Martin Lewis 3 quick energy tips

1. Prepayment meter users can top up at cheaper prices before April 1

"The first is for those of you on prepayment metres, specifically non-smart prepay meters – if you're on a smart prepay, this won't help. The regulator Ofgem has confirmed to me that you get the rate on the day you top up, not when you use energy," Martin Lewis said.

The journalist added:"Now, that means if you max out your top-up in March before the rate goes up, that's what you'll get, even if you then use that energy in April. So you can extend the cheap rate we have now for longer by maxing your top-up if you can afford it – and I know not everybody on prepay can.

Martin Lewis continued by saying that every mainstream company has confirmed that this will work - except for Scottish Power.

Scottish Power will add a rate on top of that which Martin has reported to Odgem to see if this can be worked around

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2. Direct debit users should take a meter reading on March 31 before prices rise

Martin Lewis three energy tips. Credit: ITV

Unfortunately, there is no similar system if you're on a direct debit, Martin Lewis informed. 

You can't inflate your direct debit artificially because that is fraud. 

Mr Lewis suggested that you do a meter reading today and then a further reading on March 31.

This is so you can draw a line and tell your energy company what you've used and what should be your rate.

3. Watch out for the Government's council tax rebate to help with energy costs

"Final tip, you'll know that there are a couple of Government schemes to come in place. There's the controversial "loan, not loan scheme" happening in October. But the other one is in April, where all those in council tax bands A to D will get a £150 rebate to help with energy costs. It was initially just in England, but Scotland and Wales are now doing it and we await to hear in Northern Ireland," Martin Lewis explained.

"Well, for the English scheme, we're being told you will get the money automatically paid into your bank account as long as you pay for council tax by direct debit. If you don't do that already, there's still time to set it up, though I can't give you deadlines because it's council-by-council.

"If you don't set the direct debits up, then keep an eye out for a letter from the council, because each council will tell you its claim system and you need to watch for that.

"If you're not eligible for the £150, say, because you're in a higher band, then there is a discretionary £140 million fund being set up to help those who are struggling. It will be up to each council to decide how it distributes it, but be ready to claim that. I hope this helps."

For more financial advice, visit the Money Saver Expert website.