E.on blames crashing website on Martin Lewis as thousands try to submit meter readings

E.on has blamed Martin Lewis for a surge in people submitting their meter readings that has led to the energy supplier's website crashing.

Households have been urged to submit their gas and electricity readings to their supplier to show exactly how much energy they have used ahead of a 54% energy price cap increase from 1 April.

However, on Thursday, angry E.on customers tweeted their frustration that they could not get through to the company on the phone lines or via their website.

In response, a spokesperson for the company blamed Lewis for the issue. The Money Saving Expert founder has been a high-profile figure in encouraging Brits to submit their readings to prevent firms from estimating usage and potentially charging for energy at the higher rate.

They tweeted: "Unfortunately the website and phones of every supplier are being hammered today.

Read more: E.On and British Gas websites crash in rush to submit meter readings before price hike

"Martin has once again created unprecedented demand bringing down Britain.

"If you respond to our private message providing the details requested then we can assist you."

After facing a backlash for the comment, E.on backtracked, saying it was intended as a joke.

They replied to one comment with: "Hey Sam, looks like our sense of humour missed the mark. if you want help with your account please DM me your details Sarah - E.ON Next."

Octopus Energy also mentioned Lewis as it explained to customers what was behind its website struggling to process meter readings.

In a statement, the firm said: “It looks like every large energy provider’s website is down this morning… this is usually due to dramatically increased web visits.

“Martin Lewis’s advice for customers to submit meter readings on the same day as #MeterReadingDay has driven incredible traffic – we’ve added additional capacity this morning to bolster our servers and are fairly stable.”

Experts have said the cost-of-living crisis could be catastrophic for Brits, with the Resolution Foundation warning that rising inflation — driven in large part by soaring energy bills — could plunge 1.3 million people into absolutely poverty.

People have been urged people to submit meter readings to their supplier as late as possible on Thursday to show exactly how much energy they use ahead of the increase.

Unless you have a smart meter, you need to submit meter readings or your suppliers will estimate how much energy they think you've used.

Increases in prices have been fuelled by several factors, including higher than expected demand following the COVID lockdown and squeezed demand. Global prices have spiked again due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Energy bills are expected to be hiked by 54% as the energy price cap is raised from £1,277 to £1,971 a year.

It means the monthly energy bill of a typical user on the price cap will rise by £57.83 to £164.25.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) warned the cost of heating an average home has now doubled in 18 months, leaving 6.5 million households unable to live in a warm safe home across the UK.