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How to read meters

Nov 12, 2024
Reading Gas Meter

Key Takeaways

Dial meters

  • Older dial meters have pointers.

  • Read the lowest number if the pointer is between two.

  • If between 9 and 0, write down 9 and reduce the previous number by one.

 

 

Digital meters

  • Locate the digital display.

  • Write down the numbers from left to right.

  • Ignore red numbers or decimals.

 

 

Economy 7 meters

  • Only for electricity.

  • They give a day rate and an off-peak night rate.

  • They have two sets of numbers.

  • An off-peak rate is when power costs less. 

 

Smart meters

  • Smart meters automatically send readings to your energy company.

  • No manual readings needed.

  • Common in new build houses.

 

With boxes to unpack and furniture to assemble, moving house can be stressful enough without trying to master how to read a meter. Whether it’s for your gas or electricity, here’s a quick guide to reading your new meter to make the process easier. 

 

What types of meters are there, and how do you read them?

 

There are several types of meters, and the one you have will depend on your utility company and how recently the meter was installed. Below, we explore the most common types of gas and electricity meters and explain how to read them. 

 

Dial meters

These meters look like small analogue clocks and use a mechanical display to indicate your readings. 

 

To record a reading, read the first five dials from left to right (ignore any marked 1/10). If the pointer is positioned between two numbers, record the lower number. If the pointer is between 9 and 0, write down 9, but reduce the previous number by one. If you’re not sure how to read your meter, call your energy company, and they will be able to talk you through the process. 

 

Digital meters

Digital meters display your readings on digital screens. You may have to press a button to see the numbers on the display. Then, record the first five digits, ignoring any last figure that starts 0.1. 

 

Economy 7 meters

Economy 7 meters are only for electricity and provide a day rate and an off-peak night rate. 

 

These meters have two sets of numbers. To record a reading, repeat the steps above for both rows – one represents your off-peak rate, and the other represents your on-peak rate. An off-peak rate is when power costs less, which is usually during one overnight block. 

 

Generally, off-peak hours are from 11pm to 7.30am, but this differs across the country. The on-peak and off-peak times are often written on the side of the meter. If they’re not, you should contact your energy company for more information. 

 

Smart meters

Wondering how to take a reading from a smart meter? Well, the good news is that you don’t normally have to! These meters send your readings directly to your supplier, so no manual readings are required. This ensures you receive accurate bills. 

 

However, you may need to read your smart meter if you’ve just switched supplier and can’t connect to your meter, for example. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Look for a screen that displays a series of numbers in front of the letters ‘KHW’.

  • Read the numbers from left to right, ignoring any figures after the decimal point.

 

Why is it important to take meter readings?

Taking regular meter readings ensures you’re billed correctly for the amount of electricity and gas you use. If you don’t submit readings to your suppliers, they’ll only receive an estimate of your usage, which may lead to you being overcharged. 

 

When moving house, you’ll need to notify your energy company of your meter readings on the day you move – both from the house you have moved from and the new home you are moving into. This will help you make sure that your final bills are accurate.

 

Most energy companies now have online portals where you can log your readings without having to phone. If you’re moving to a new build house, you’ll likely have a smart meter. Smart meters help you take control of your energy usage, showing you how much you use and allowing you to cut back if necessary. 

 

Discover our range of brand-new, energy-efficient homes across the UK and unique offers to help you move.

Call or visit our Sales Advisers to discuss your options. 

 

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