If you’ve ever opened an energy bill and felt your stomach drop, you’re not alone. Many UK consumers pay more than they should simply because their energy supplier is estimating their usage instead of billing them based on real numbers. Learning how to take an energy meter reading puts you back in control, whether you’re moving home, switching suppliers, tracking your usage, or simply avoiding surprises.
This guide walks you through everything step-by-step, including how to find your meter, how to read gas and electricity displays, and how to give accurate readings. It’s written in a straightforward, stress-free way for first-timers and anyone who just wants clarity.
Why Do I Need to Take Meter Readings?
Energy suppliers only know how much gas or electricity you’ve used if you tell them or if you have a smart meter that sends readings automatically.
If you don’t submit readings, your supplier estimates your usage, and that often leads to billing problems such as:
- Overpaying when your actual usage is lower
- Underpaying and receiving a big “catch-up bill” later
- Incorrect direct debit increases
- Delays when switching suppliers
- Disputes when moving house
Knowing how to take an energy meter reading ensures every bill is based on your actual usage, not a guess.
Where Can I Find My Meters?
Gas and electricity meters can be located in different places depending on your home type. Common locations include:
Electricity Meters
- Under-stairs cupboard
- Hallway cupboard
- High on a wall near the fuse box
- Inside a communal cupboard (flats)
Gas Meters
- Outside meter box (white or brown cabinet)
- Kitchen cupboard
- Under the stairs
- Basement area
- External wall box near your front door
If you’re renting, your landlord or letting agent should tell you where both meters are. You can also check your inventory or welcome pack.
Traditional Meters vs Smart Meters
Not all meters look or work the same. Before learning how to take an energy meter reading, you need to identify which meter you have.
Traditional Meters
Traditional meters do not send readings automatically. You read the numbers manually and submit them to your supplier.
1. Digital Metric Meters
- Show a row of numbers, often including decimals
- You only read the black numbers
2. Imperial Meters
- Display numbers in cubic feet
- Often labelled “ft³”
- You read the black numbers only
3. Dial Meters
- Have clock-style dials
- Can look confusing but are easy once you learn the method
Smart Meters
Smart meters automatically send readings to your supplier. They include:
- A gas smart meter
- An electricity smart meter
- An In-Home Display (IHD) showing your real-time usage
However, you might still need to manually take a reading if:
- You recently switched suppliers
- Your supplier temporarily cannot connect
- Your meter was installed before SMETS2 upgrades
- You want to double-check your bills
Learn more about how smart meters work: Smart Meter Guide.
How to Take a Meter Reading: Gas Meters (Traditional)
Below is a step-by-step breakdown depending on your meter type.
1. Digital Metric Gas Meter Reading
These display cubic meters (m³) and look like: 12345.678
How to take the reading:
- Write down the first five numbers
- Ignore anything after the decimal
- Ignore any red numbers
Example:
If your meter shows 04673.923, your reading is 4673.
2. Imperial Gas Meter Reading
These display cubic feet (ft³) and might have four black numbers and two red ones.
How to take the reading:
- Record the first four black digits
- Ignore red digits
Example:
1783 | 45
Your reading is 1783.
3. Gas Dial Meter Reading
Dial meters have 4–6 clock-style dials, some moving clockwise and some anti-clockwise.
How to take the reading:
- Read dials left to right
- Ignore the last red dial
- If a pointer is between numbers, choose the lower number
- If it is exactly on a number, check the next dial
Example:
If the dials show: 6 – 8 – 3 – 1
Your reading is 6831.
How to Take a Meter Reading: Electricity Meters (Traditional)
Electric meters have several variations. Here’s how to read them correctly.
1. Single-Rate Electricity Meter
Shows one row of numbers: 58492
How to take the reading:
- Record all black numbers
- Ignore red numbers or decimals
2. Two-Rate (Economy 7) Electricity Meter
Used for day/night tariffs. You will see:
LOW 34567
NORMAL 78901
How to take the reading:
- Read and record both numbers
- LOW = off-peak
- NORMAL = peak rate
3. Two-Rate Single Display Meter
- Rate 1
- Rate 2
- Total
Press the display button to cycle and record the first two.
4. Dial Electricity Meter
- Read left to right
- Use lowest number if between digits
- Check next dial for confirmation
How to Take a Smart Meter Reading
Smart meters read automatically, but if you need the reading manually:
Electricity Smart Meter:
- Press A to wake the screen
- Continue pressing A until you see “Meter Reading”
- Write down the displayed kWh
Gas Smart Meter:
- Press A
- Look for the m³ reading
- Record the number shown
How Often Should You Take Meter Readings?
A good routine ensures accuracy and prevents billing surprises. Here’s the recommended frequency:
Monthly (Recommended)
Helps you track usage and ensures accurate bills.
When Switching Supplier
New suppliers require exact readings on the switching date.
Compare deals and switch easily on our Energy Comparison Page.
When Moving Home
- On the day you move out
- On the day you move in
Submit them to the supplier immediately.
When Your Supplier Requests It
Sometimes suppliers ask for more frequent readings if you’re on a variable direct debit.
How to Submit Your Meter Reading to Your Supplier
Most suppliers allow you to submit readings through:
- Online account
- Mobile app
- SMS text message
- Telephone line
- Submitting via your IHD (rare)
Check your latest bill for instructions unique to your supplier.
What to Do If Your Meter Seems Faulty
Warning signs your meter may be malfunctioning:
- Sudden unexplained usage spike
- IHD showing zero usage
- Meter screen frozen or blank
- Clicking or unusual noises
- Energy bills doubling without reason
Steps to take:
- Contact your supplier and report the issue
- They may ask you for a burn test (turn everything off and see if meter moves)
- If still faulty, they may schedule:
- Meter test
- Engineer visit
- Meter replacement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the difference between a smart meter and a traditional meter?
Traditional meters must be read manually.
Smart meters send readings automatically and include an In-Home Display for real-time tracking.
2. Can I still give a reading if I have a smart meter?
Yes. Sometimes required if switching supplier or if the smart meter temporarily loses connection.
3. How do I submit my meter reading to my supplier?
You can usually submit via your supplier’s website, mobile app, SMS, or phone line. Check your bill for exact instructions.
4. What should I do if I think my meter is faulty?
Contact your supplier immediately, perform tests if requested, and arrange an engineer visit if needed.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to take an energy meter reading is a simple habit that can drastically reduce the chances of incorrect bills and overpayments. Whether you’re renting, moving home, or simply budgeting better, accurate meter readings keep your energy usage clear and predictable.
