Millions of Britons have been urged to submit energy meter readings to avoid paying higher bills than they need to as a 13 per cent jump to the price cap takes effect.The estimated 5.3million households on standard tariffs who do not have a smart meter have been urged to take action to avoid paying for energy they have already used at the new, more expensive rates that take effect from today.Ofgem's price cap sets the maximum amount firms can charge homes on standard tariffs per unit of gas and electricity.Households who pay via direct debit will see electricity charges rise from the current rate of 24.67p a kilowatt hour to 26.11p, while gas charges will rise from 5.74p a kWh to 7.33p.Based on the new rates, the average gas and electricity bill will increase by £221 to £1,862 a year.The jump has been largely driven by a spike in global energy wholesale prices caused by the Middle East conflict.Uswitch energy spokesman Ben Gallizzi said: 'There are two crucial things you should add to your to-do list for the coming days – submit a meter reading and get a cheap fixed energy deal.'Millions of households should take a moment to read their meter at the end of the month [June] to avoid being overcharged for their energy due to higher prices kicking in from July.'