How to take and submit a meter reading
ENERGY bills are set to rise for millions across the UK from tomorrow, October 1, after the Energy Price Guarantee comes into effect.
The average UK households’ bills will go up from £1,971 to £2,500 after government intervention stopped them from going even higher.
The £2,500 figure is based on a household with typical consumption on a dual electricity and gas bill paying by direct debit.
Millions of households have been urged to get their meter readings in before October 1 so they’re billed the correct amount for their usage up until the end of September.
This is only the case for those on traditional energy meters though as smart meters send readings to your supplier automatically.
You also don’t need to send them if you’re on either a traditional or smart prepayment meter as you top up your meter on a pay-as-you-go basis.
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However, if you are on a traditional meter and don’t know how to take a reading, we explain everything below.
How do you take a meter reading?
The way you take a meter reading depends on what type of meter you have. For example if it’s for electric or gas it will vary.
Once you’ve taken a reading, you should be able to submit it a number of ways including text message or phone.
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You might also be able to submit it online or through your supplier’s app.
It’s best to check with your supplier to see what your options are.
You should also take a picture of your meter reading and submit it to your supplier.
Electricity meters
If you have a digital electricity or gas meter, you will see a row of six numbers on the display dashboard – five in black and one in red.
You will need to note down the five numbers in black and ignore the red number.
If you are on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff, which means you get cheaper electricity throughout the night, you may see two rows of numbers.
You should take both down.
If you have a traditional dial meter, you will have to read the first five dials from left to right and ignore any red ones.
If the pointer is between two numbers, you will need to write down the lower number. If it’s between nine and zero, write down nine.
If the pointer is directly over a number, write down that number and underline it.
Citizens Advice says that if you’ve underlined a number, check the next dial to the right. If the pointer on that dial is between 9 and 0, reduce the number you’ve underlined by 1. For example, if you originally wrote down 5, change it to 4.
Gas meters
If you have a digital metric meter showing five numbers then a decimal place, you only need to write down the first five number from left to right.
If you have a digital imperial meter your meter will read four black numbers and two red numbers – note down the four black numbers only.
If you have a dial gas meter follow the same steps for those with a dial electricity meter but ignore underlining any figures.
Why do I need to take regular meter readings?
If you take regular readings your supplier can work out how much they should bill you.
If you don’t submit readings to your supplier, they’ll estimate your usage and you could end up being charged more.
According to comparethemarket.com, how often you should submit readings will depend on how often you’re billed.
If it’s every month, you should aim to submit a reading two days before your payment date every four or so weeks.
If you are billed quarterly, you’ll only need to take meter readings every three months.
If you’re on a smart meter, you don’t need to take any readings as they will be taken automatically.
It’s also worth taking a picture of your meter reading as evidence if your supplier raises questions about what you’ve submitted.
It comes after consumer champion Martin Lewis urged millions to get their readings done.
What other energy bill help can I get?
From October 1, millions of households will start receiving a £400 energy rebate.
The payment will be made to your energy supplier who will then deduct it from your bill.
Households will receive a £66 discount in October and November, and a £67 one every month from December to March.
Millions of pensioners who usually get the Winter Fuel Allowance will receive £300 on top from November.
Some households are set to get a £150 Warm Home Discount between December and March 2023 as well.
You might also be able to get an energy grant from your supplier.
British Gas is offering one, as well as Bulb Energy, EDF, E.on, Octopus Energy, Ovo Energy and Scottish Power.
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You can also get free debt advice from:
- Money Helper – 0800 138 7777
- Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
- StepChange – 0800 138 1111
- National Debtline – 0808 808 4000