A meter reading shows how much gas or electricity you have used. Taking the right reading can help your supplier give you a more accurate bill.
Why Read Your Meter?
Your supplier uses meter readings to work out how much energy you have used.
If it does not have a recent reading, it may estimate your use instead. As a result, your bill could be too high or too low.
So, regular readings can help keep your bills accurate.
Read an Electricity Meter
There are several types of electricity meter. However, many standard digital meters are simple to read.
First, read the numbers from left to right.
Then:
- write down the main numbers
- ignore any red numbers
- ignore numbers after a decimal point
For example:
02563.4
would normally be given as:
02563
If your meter has two rates, you will normally need to give both readings.
Two-Rate Meters
Some electricity meters have two readings.
These are often used with tariffs that charge different rates at different times.
For example, you may see a day reading and a night reading. They may also be called Rate 1 and Rate 2.
So, make sure you record both readings.
However, don’t guess which rate is which. If you are unsure, check your bill or ask your supplier.
Read a Gas Meter
Gas meters measure the amount of gas that passes through the meter.
For a digital gas meter, read the main numbers from left to right.
Then, ignore any numbers after the decimal point. Also, ignore red numbers if your meter has them.
For example:
01452.3
would normally be given as:
01452
Your supplier then uses your meter readings to work out your gas use in kWh.
Learn more: Calculate Your Gas Costs →
What About Dial Meters?
Some older meters use dials instead of a digital display.
These can be harder to read because the dials may turn in different directions.
So, if you have a dial meter, follow the instructions for your exact meter type.
If you are unsure, check your supplier’s meter-reading guide before sending the reading.
Read a Smart Meter
Smart meters normally send readings to your supplier for you.
However, you may still need to take a reading yourself.
For example, this may happen if:
- your supplier asks for one
- the smart connection is not working
- you have recently switched supplier
- you want to check your own reading
Smart meters come in several types. Therefore, the buttons you need to press can differ.
If the reading is not already shown, check your supplier’s guide for your meter.
Meter or In-Home Display?
If you have a smart meter, you may also have a small screen in your home.
This is called an in-home display.
It can show useful information about your energy use and cost.
However, it is not the meter itself.
So, if your supplier asks you for a meter reading, make sure you take it from the actual gas or electricity meter unless your supplier tells you otherwise.
Before You Send It
Before you send a reading, check it again.
Make sure:
- you have the right meter
- you have copied the numbers correctly
- you have not included numbers after the decimal point
- you have both readings if you have a two-rate meter
Also, it can be useful to take a photo of the meter. This gives you a record of the reading and the date.
Then, send the reading through your supplier’s website, app, phone service or other accepted method.
If Your Reading Looks Wrong
Don’t change a meter reading because it looks too high or too low.
Instead, check the meter again.
Then, compare the reading with your last bill if you have one.
If the figures still do not look right, contact your supplier before guessing or sending a different number.
Key Points
First, make sure you are reading the right meter.
Then, copy the main numbers from left to right.
Ignore decimal places or red numbers where required.
Also, give both readings if you have a two-rate electricity meter.
Smart meters normally send readings automatically. However, you may sometimes need to read one yourself.
Finally, keep a photo or note of the reading if you want a record.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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