Lanarkshire households have been urged to submit meter readings to their energy supplier before the new Ofgem price cap comes into force.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is reminding consumers to act before midnight on September 30.
Accurate readings will prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying new, higher prices to energy consumed when they were lower.
The regulator, Ofgem, resets its cap on the amount suppliers can charge every three months.
The latest change, from £1568 to £1717 on October 1, represents a 10 per cent increase on the current level.
People who cannot submit readings before September 30 should do so as close to the date as possible. Those with smart meters should ensure the device is working.
Taking a photo of the meter reading can also help to resolve any disputes that may arise.
Advice Direct Scotland is also urging households to review how much they are paying and check whether there are better tariffs available.
However, it is also concerned that many of the best value deals being offered by suppliers are aimed at more affluent households, while others are only available to those with an installed smart meter.
The most recent forecasts have suggested that the Ofgem price cap will rise again in January, meaning that the pressure on consumers will not ease until spring next year at the earliest.
Advice Direct Scotland said the persistently high cost of gas and electricity underlined why the UK needs a social energy tariff, which would automatically put the most vulnerable customers on the cheapest deals.
The charity has been campaigning for the UK Government to work with energy suppliers to introduce the policy.
Last week, the Scottish Government announced that it was working with energy firms E.On, EDF Energy and Scottish Gas (Centrica) on a plan for a social tariff. energyadvice.scot provides free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland.
Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Higher gas and electricity prices are a stark reminder that the energy crisis is far from over. For many Scottish households, winter will be long and difficult, with no relief from high prices until at least spring 2025.
“Submitting your meter readings around October 1 will ensure you are charged correctly for energy used before and after the price cap change.
“Taking a dated photo of your meter for reference is helpful, and if you have a smart meter, make sure it’s functioning.
“Consumers should examine their bills, understand their payments, and explore cheaper options with other suppliers.
“Our expert team is available for anyone needing help, regardless of their circumstances.
“Long-term energy affordability solutions are crucial, which is why we urgently need a UK-wide social tariff to protect people from excessive bills. This would help fix the broken energy market and alleviate fuel poverty. Urgent action is needed.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.