With energy bills due to rise by an average of 54 percent this Friday, (April 1), Evercreech councillor Barry O'Leary has expressed his concerns if people do not take action.

"By doing so, you can ensure all energy used up until that date is charged on the cheaper rate – the current energy price cap".

Those that do not submit a reading risk some of their energy being charged on the new higher unit price which is around £693 more expensive a year.

Anyone who does not have a smart meter should take a meter reading on March 31 and submit it to their supplier. This will give the supplier proof of how much energy was used before April, 1 when the new rates come into effect, and will ensure your bills are accurate and are not overcharged.

Barry added, "While there is nothing you can do to reduce the actual cost of energy, regularly submitting meter readings to your supplier is a good habit to get into, as it can help to ensure you are only paying for the amount of energy you are using."

You can submit a meter reading online or via your supplier's smartphone app. You can also submit your latest usage over the phone by calling your provider's customer services. Some suppliers will have automated options for this.

If you have a smart meter, readings are usually supplied automatically once a month - but it's worth checking that a reading will be done on or in the run up to March 31.

If, for whatever reason, you have a problem trying to submit your readings, take photos on the day that clearly show them and the meter serial numbers.

On April 1, the cap will rise by around 54%, meaning the average dual-fuel household will be paying £1,971 a year to heat and light their home. That's £693 more than it is right now.

This is based on typical usage though – so use more and your bills will rise even further, and vice versa.

Homes using a prepay meter, which are typically more vulnerable, will on average face a steeper hike of £708 and an annual bill of £2,017.

To put this into perspective, from April 1, a British Gas dual-fuel customer paying by direct debit will pay £262 a year in standing charges alone, or £318 if they have a prepayment meter. And that is before they have consumed a single unit.

Those who pay by direct debit will pay the least. Customers paying by cash or cheque on receipt of their bill, or because who have a prepayment meter, will be charged more.

Barry added "Only those on long-term fixed tariffs signed with a supplier that has not failed will avoid the rises. But of course, millions of these are likely to end in the coming months. So my prudent advice to you is take action today to stay in control of your costs, to at least avoid unnecessary overcharging."

"If you're experiencing difficulties and problems get in touch with Citizens Advice, or please let me know and I will try and point you in the right direction," concluded Barry.