E.ON sparks furious backlash after blaming Martin Lewis for website outage

E.ON has sparked fury among customers after appearing to blame MoneySaving Expert Martin Lewis for its website crashing.

Households are rushing to submit meter readings today before the energy price cap rises, with supplier’s websites struggling under the increased demand.

Millions of households are set to see their energy bills rise from tomorrow when the price cap increases to almost £2,000.

Energy users have been advised to submit a meter reading today to ensure their usage up until now is charged at the older cap’s rate before tariffs go up tomorrow.

MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis is one of many experts suggesting doing this as it means the charges will also more accurately reflect your usage and you can differentiate between costs under the old and new cap.

But supplier websites such as Eon’s, British Gas and Scottish’s Power’s have all experienced glitches and crashes today due to the sheer number of users.

Many customers have been unable to login and submit meter readings online and users have taken to Twitter to complain.

Supplier E.ON Next, part of the E.ON energy company, has caused anger with its response though.

It responded to a complaint about its website on Twitter by blaming Mr Lewis.

The tweet said: “Martin has once again created unprecedented demand bringing down Britain.”

The tweet has since been deleted but users accused E.ON of gaslighting and said Mr Lewis was trying to help customres.

One said: “His tip to read your meter today, which has been picked up everywhere, is actually for the benefit of Britain’s consumers.”

The tweet has also inspired comments linked to actor Will Smith and Chris Rock’s infamous Oscar conflict, with a user stating: “Get Martin Lewis’ name out your mouth.”

E.ON Next and Mr Lewis have been asked for comment.

What happens if you can’t submit it today?

It is still possible to submit a reading taken today at a later date.

You should still take a picture of your meter reading and keep checking if your suppliers’ website is back up and running if you are experiencing issues.

Most firms will let you submit it tomorrow or another day and backdate it to March 31.

Just make sure you have taken a picture as evidence.

Some suppliers have also told customers to send them a direct message on social media with their meter readings while websites have crashed.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has also announced a £150 council tax discount for millions of households in an attempt to ease the cost of living crisis.

Your local council may be able to help with cash and grants if you are struggling with bills through the Household Support Scheme.