Energy bill alert: Britons urged to 'forget smart meters' as these £10 upgrades slash bills 'immediately'

The energy bill price cap is set to rise in October, meaning many people will be facing higher prices and increased tariffs. Ofgem has announced that the price cap will rise to £1755 from October, which is a two per cent increase on the current cap.

The push for low-cost home upgrades comes as millions of households look for ways to save money on their energy bills, whilst facing problems with smart meters.

Experts say quick, budget-friendly improvements can deliver faster savings and reduce reliance on technology that may not always work as intended.

Gordon Wallis, an energy specialist at Your NRG, said: "Small, inexpensive improvements can make a surprising difference to your home's energy efficiency. By acting now, you spread the cost over time and start benefiting straight away."

He added that September is the best time to prepare for winter, giving households the chance to enjoy savings throughout the entire cold season.

Mr Wallis explained that while each change may seem minor, combining them has a much greater effect.

The expert noted that the most effective strategy is to layer simple upgrades costing around £10 or less, which work together to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency without significant expense.

He urged households to "forget smart meters as these £10 home upgrades can help you save on energy bills".

One of Mr Wallis's top recommendations is self-adhesive draught strips. He said: "They can be fitted to windows and door frames in minutes and help stop warm air escaping. A single roll can cost less than £10 and is enough to seal several openings."

Radiator reflectors are another effective upgrade. Mr Wallis added: "Fitting reflective panels behind radiators on external walls bounces heat back into the room rather than letting it escape. They are affordable, easy to install and improve heating performance immediately."

For households with wooden or tiled floors, Mr Wallis suggests adding a low-cost rug or floor mat. He said: "Even a thin rug adds an insulating layer that reduces heat loss through the floor, particularly in rooms above unheated spaces like garages."

Door draught stoppers are another simple way to cut costs. Mr Wallis explained: "A simple fabric draught stopper placed along the bottom of a door can keep cooler air out and reduce the need to turn the heating on early."

He also recommends using basic sealant to block gaps. Mr Wallis said: "For a few pounds you can fill gaps around skirting boards, pipework or window frames. This helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces draughts."

Although each change may seem small, Mr Wallis stressed that the combined effect can be powerful. He said: "Making these upgrades in September means your home is more efficient before the heating season begins, which helps keep bills lower and comfort levels higher."

Government figures reveal that 4.31 million smart meters across Britain were malfunctioning as of June 2023, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Many of these devices are failing to operate in their intended automated mode, leaving customers dependent on manual readings.

Communication breakdowns mean meters often cannot send data to suppliers, resulting in estimated rather than accurate bills. In-home displays are also affected, frequently losing synchronisation or showing outdated information, making it harder for households to monitor their energy use.

Other problems include incorrect readings that cause billing errors, as well as network issues preventing data from being transmitted. The upcoming shutdown of 2G and 3G mobile networks is expected to create further disruption, particularly for older meters in central and southern England, which will require free replacements from suppliers.

In response, energy regulator Ofgem has outlined four new rules that would require suppliers to provide automatic compensation when smart meter failures occur. The proposals include payments for installation delays of more than six weeks, failed installations caused by supplier errors, and unresolved faults reported by customers.

Charlotte Friel, Ofgem's director of retail pricing and systems, acknowledged widespread frustrations: "Millions of consumers rely on their smart meter every day for accurate billing, cheaper tariffs, automatic meter readings and real-time data to help keep track of spending. But we know many customers that want a smart meter wait too long to get one installed or face delays on repairs when it stops working this needs to change."

The proposed standards would take effect from early 2026 following stakeholder consultation.