If you've spent the last few weeks worrying about the upcoming household bill increase in April, financial journalist and broadcaster Martin Lewis has shared some crucial advice that could help you save some money when the bills land on your doorstep.

Energy prices are due to increase by over 50 per cent for the average household next month, meaning that we'll all be feeling the pinch in one way or another. The cause? A new price cap — the maximum amount a utility company or energy provider can charge — is increasing from £1277 to £1971 on 1st April 2022. That's an increase of over £690.

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So, what can you do to make your money go further this year? Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has shared a trio of tips that we can all deploy to fight the rising bills in April.

Firstly, the Martin Lewis Money Show star suggests that customers use a pre-paid energy meter to test 'stockpiling' energy, by pre-purchasing as much as they can afford before rates spike. "If you max out your top-up in March before the rate goes up, that's what you'll get, even if you then use that energy in April," he explained.

Secondly, Lewis suggested that customers take two meter readings before the price hike: one as soon as possible, and another the day before the increase. Lewis theorises that this will help customers pay energy that's been charged at the lowest rate, instead of the new rate. Lastly, Lewis urges customers and those eligible to claim the £150 council tax rebate from April. “Keep an eye out for a letter from the council because each council will tell you its claim system and you need to watch for that," says Lewis. If you're in council tax bands A, B, C, or D in England, Wales and Scotland, you'll be eligible for the rebate.