People across the UK are being urged to submit electricity readings ahead of the energy price cap rise in just a few days time.
Looking to save a few pennies on your energy bills this winter? Well, experts over at Energy UK are calling on the public to submit their latest meter readings before the energy price cap rise on 1 October in order to prevent electricity companies from estimating your electricity use, and thus charging the higher rate for energy used before the price is increased.
People are being urged to act as soon as possible to avoid energy websites crashing, which has been known to happen in previous years.
It’s also recommended that customers check beforehand for the best way to submit readings.
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With millions set to submit up-to-date electricity readings before the energy price cap rise, various electricity suppliers have offered numerous channels to allow readings to be received – including text, email, apps, and online account submissions.
With the rising cost of living crisis continuing to make its impact felt, and with people fearing unprecedented prices this winter, the UK government has also announced that households will receive a non-repayable £400 payment as part of the support package.
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This will be paid directly to energy accounts over six months in instalments of £66 and £67.
When should I take meter readings?
Friday 30 September is being called ‘meter reading day’, and it’s recommended that you submit meter readings to your provider preferably in the afternoon or evening, as unit prices will increase from Saturday.
If you can’t submit your readings on Friday, then you should submit them as soon as you can.
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Most energy providers will let you back-date meter readings for around a week, but it’s always worth double checking first before you go to do this.
Why should I be submitting meter readings? What are the experts saying?
Money saving expert Martin Lewis is one of those encouraging people to submit meter readings.
He explained: “If you pay by direct debit, firms estimate your usage, and assign it to a certain period, so for those who normally submit readings, doing it close to the date prices are due to change means there’s no estimate and no discrepancies.
“It’s worth taking a picture of the meter for belt ‘n’ braces evidence too.”
Featured Image – British Gas
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Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most challenging driving locations have been revealed, according to new data… and isn’t good news for Manchester.
No matter whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, some roads can test even the most confident of motorists.
From congestion and poor road conditions, to limited parking and higher incident rates, it’s fair to say that some areas make driving more stressful.
But which parts of the UK are the hardest to drive in?
Well, in a bid to answer that question, MoneySuperMarket has analysed a whole host of data – such as road infrastructure, road safety, road conditions, vehicle crime concerns, and insurance-related trends – for 58 UK cities, boroughs, and local authorities to create a drivability score and discover the locations that drivers find most stressful.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK / Credit: Manchester City Council | pxfuel
Manchester, unfortunately, claimed third place on the list of top 10 most challenging locations for drivers – with an overall drivability score of 25 out of 100.
Other northern cities and towns like Leeds, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham have founded themselves in the top 10 too, meaning the North West is sadly the most-represented area.
Top 10 Most Challenging Locations For Drivers
Croydon
Derby
Manchester
Leeds
Preston
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Wakefield
Oldham
The findings also reflect some of the concerns drivers experience on the road, with more than a third of motorists (34%) saying they have avoided driving because they were travelling in an unfamiliar area, while almost a third (32%) have chosen not to drive due to heavy traffic or congestion.
Dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers was the most commonly cited source of stress, with almost two-thirds of motorists (65%) saying they find situations such as tailgating and beeping stressful.
“Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring,” commented Alicia Hempsted, who is a Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.
“Particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads.”
Emily Sergeant -
29th September 2022 
