Can I "buy" in advance?

43722

Small query.
I am on a fix for 4 more months. I report my figures every month, and I am not on a smart meter for either fuel. Could i over-report (and over pay) on my consumption in the next four months, then be able to under-report and under pay throughout the second half of next winter, when the tariffs are likely to increase. I suspect the answer is no....

ItsComingRome

You can commit fraud if you want.

The more important question is are you willing to live with the potential consequences.

TheMilkmansDad

Could you? Yes, it's called fraud.
Should you? No, see above.

Your choice.

Verdigris

Also, if you consumption suddenly increases, significantly, it'll likely trigger an independent meter read. (or the drug squad!)

chewyluis

If you fancy 10 years behind bars to really cut your energy bills, sure.

Fraud is treated with high severity in UK courts.

[Deleted User]

When a supplier/SoLR asks for a meter reading it is not applied to an account until it has been through a third-party validation process. The system is designed to detect erroneous meter readings: the data collector will look at past historical usage to validate all customer readings. As others have pointed out, what you are proposing is energy theft/fraud against the new supplier. The new supplier would be supplying you with energy that you are not paying it for. 

43722

It wouldn't necessarily be a new supplier, but in wider terms I think I have my answer, and I will be keeping to my squeaky-clean lifestyle.  Thank you to all

DiseasedBunny

You might get away with 10/20 units difference, but anything big would be investigated I’m sure 

Astria

You can always over report and under report, but whichever you do make sure that when they decide to send a meter reader around to validate your readings that it's not too far from the truth.

Cisco001

Just don't submit meter reading. They over estimate you most of the time...