How to Read Your Gas & Electricity Meters

Gas meter reading

Traditional Metric Gas Meter

Why Are Meter Readings Important?

Meter readings are crucial for accurate billing of your gas and electricity usage. There are two main types of meters: traditional analogue meters and Smart meters. Smart meters automatically send your readings to your supplier, eliminating the need for you to do it manually.

If you have a traditional meter, you’ll need to submit regular readings so your supplier can calculate your energy consumption accurately. It’s essential to keep up with these readings to ensure your bills reflect the actual energy you’ve used.

 
Who is Responsible for Reading My Meter?

You’re usually only required to submit meter readings if you have a traditional meter. Smart meters automatically transmit readings to your supplier. If you generate your own renewable energy and are on a Smart Export Guarantee tariff, you may occasionally need to provide export readings.

 

What Type of Meter Do I Have?

Traditional (Non-Smart) Meters

If your meter features an analogue display or dials, you have a traditional meter. In this case, you’ll need to regularly send your readings to your supplier so they can calculate your energy usage.

 

Types of Traditional Gas Meters and How to Read Them

Metric Meter

Record the five digits from left to right, ignoring any digits after the decimal point (often shown in red). For example, a reading of 04234 is your meter reading.

Imperial Meter

Write down the four digits from left to right, ignoring any red digits.

Dial Meter

Read the four dials along the bottom row only, ignoring any other dials. Record the number closest to the pointer. If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number (e.g., between 6 and 7, record 6). Each dial moves in the opposite direction from the previous one, so pay attention to the direction of each dial.

 

Types of Traditional Electricity Meters and How to Read Them

Single Rate Meter

This meter charges the same rate for both day and night usage. Record the five digits from left to right. Ignore any numbers after the decimal point or which may be shown in red.

Two Rate Meter

This meter charges different rates for day and night usage. It displays readings on two separate screens. Record the numbers from left to right for both the top and bottom displays, ignoring any red digits. For example, the readings could be 27691 and 08721.

Multiple Rate, Single Display Meter

This meter has one digital display that cycles between the rate readings. In this instance "Rate 1" shows the daytime rate, and "Rate 4" represents the night time rate.

Dial Meter

Record the first five dials from left to right, excluding the 1/10 dial. Note the number that the pointer has just passed. The dials may alternate between clockwise and counter clockwise, so take care to observe the direction each dial moves.

 

Smart Meters

Smart meters are self-reading devices that display your energy usage in real-time on an in-home display. These meters automatically send your readings to your supplier, ensuring that your bills are accurate. However, there may be times when your supplier requests that you manually submit a reading.

Gas Smart Meters

Press the red "A" button to activate the display (it may be off).

Once it shows "Credit On", press the red "A" again.

The screen will display "Meter Index," which is your current meter reading.

Electricity Smart Meters

For a single rate meter: Tap the green "A" button several times until it displays “Rate 01 Act Imp,” which will show your reading.

For a two-rate meter: Hold the "B" button for 5 seconds to display the daytime rate (Rate 1), and press "A" for the night time rate (Rate 2).

How to Submit Your Meter Readings

You can email your meter readings to info@entech.org.uk, and we’ll forward them to your supplier for you. Alternatively, you can submit your readings to us using the links provided below.

 

How Often Should I Provide Meter Readings?

We suggest submitting readings once a month - the more frequently you provide them, the more accurate your bills will be. Your supplier will usually send reminders when it’s time to submit a reading, which is typically on a monthly basis.

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