Martin Lewis issued an apology after his advice on non-smart prepayment meters became "less certain". He had previously advised people with prepayment meters that if they topped up before the April 1 price cap rise, they will be charged at the rate they topped up, until they top up again.
However, he has since revealed this may not be the case. On March 24, he explained on his Money Saving Expert website that after receiving confirmation from "all major firms" expect Scottish Power that the tip would work, he contacted Ofgem to see if Scottish Power were breaking any rules.
Unfortunately, Ofgem reported that there is "nothing in the licence conditions" that prevents firms from ensuring people pay the rates from April 1, no matter when they top up. For Scottish Power, customers will not be able to use his previous "top up tip".
Martin Lewis did admit that the tip is "likely to work" with British Gas, Octopus, Shell Energy and Bulb. Other than British Gas, who confirmed through a tweet that they would allow people to use the pre-top up tip, the other companies have not promised it.
The Money Saving Expert also reminded people this will only work with prepayment electricity meters, and definitely not with gas. This is due to what Martin Lewis calls a "technical gremlin".
The issue was that gas meters can be preloaded with both current and advance prices before April 1. So on April 1, the rate can change no matter what customers do beforehand.
Martin Lewis said he was "really sorry about this", and explained how he is "gutted" to hear that his information is not helpful to prepayment meter users.
He explained that despite "rigorously researching" the topic, he has no "cast-iron info" that the tip will definitely work for all suppliers.
As the UK can expect to see the energy price cap rise 54%, Martin Lewis has been offering his advice to worried households.
He has already called on the UK government to take action, saying people are facing a "fiscal punch in the face" due to the rise in costs.
The Money Saving Expert is currently taking a break from offering advice until Monday on Twitter, and is having a "digital detox". On Twitter, many offered their thanks and support to him for his help and guidance.
Amy Lacey (@amy_lacey) replied saying "Thanks for all your hard work Martin. It doesn't go unnoticed and is very much appreciated."
Others told him to enjoy a "well deserved rest", with Dave Jennings (@dijennings99) telling him to "come back fighting" on Monday.
