Energy companies are urging those not on a smart meter to submit an accurate reading immediately.

“If you leave it any later than this, then some of your December energy usage could end up being estimated and therefore charged under the higher January rates,” said Elise Melville, from price comparison website Uswitch.

While the cost of each unit of gas and electricity is capped, the total bill is not. So, a long, cold winter could see higher energy use and high bills.

Experts say more significant long-term options to lower bills include shopping around or reducing energy use when possible.

At The Grange Community Centre, in Blackpool, experts are on hand to offer guidance for visitors, including support worker Shaun Toussaint.

“I would always tell people that as long as they’re competent online, to go and see what different prices are available,” he said.

“If you’re not competent online they can get on the phone and ring their existing provider or another provider and compare prices.”