‘Bleak Friday’: websites of UK energy suppliers crash in meter reading rush

Customers try to beat 54% price rise, as multiple hikes from council tax to VAT on pub food also come into effect

Millions of households faced chaos on Thursday as the websites of the major energy providers crashed after being overwhelmed by a flood of customers rushing to secure cheaper bills ahead of Friday's massive hike in prices.

Panicked customers rushed to submit meter readings, responding to advice to ensure they got a cheaper rate for energy right up until the end of the day.