A GUIDE TO READING
YOUR GAS AND ELECTRICITY METER
Gas and electricity suppliers are
responsible for providing meters as well as reading them, although
customers should read their meters on a monthly basis if possible, as
energy use fluctuates throughout the year.
Industry regulator, Ofgem, decides how frequently meters should be read,
usually settling on a minimum frequency of once every two years;
however, many suppliers now have a 'Must Read' procedure in place
because customers frequently switch suppliers.
Energy consumers can provide meter readings for suppliers over the
phone, by post or through online accounts. Those customers who have
prepayment meters do not have to submit meter readings to their
supplier.
How to Read Gas Meters
For those who have moved into a new home and do not know which company
supplies the gas, the M Number Enquiry Line
(0870 608 1524)
can provide a MPRN (Meter Point Reference
Number). Every gas meter has a unique MPRN and this number identifies
who is the registered gas supplier for the property.
When receiving the first bill, customers ought to check that the gas
serial number matches the meter number. They should also check whether
the meter is Imperial or Metric i.e., measuring gas in cubic feet
(ft3) or in cubic metres (M). Customers will notice that they are
billed for consumption using a rate described as kilowatt hours (kWh).
Details of the calculations and numbers used to produce the gas bill are
provided on the bills.
- The metric calculation for kWh
equals (number of units used or meter reading) X (volume correction
factor) X (calorific value) divided by 3.6.
- The imperial calculation multiplies
units consumed by 2.83 to give the number of cubic metres of gas
used, which is then applied in the metric calculation.
For customers who have a digital meter,
the white figures need reading from left to right, ignoring anything
after a decimal point or in red.
| For those with the dial meters, look at
the first dial and jot down which number the hand is on.
If it is
between numbers, jot down which of the hands is nearest. Note that some
dials rotate in the opposite direction, so do check the reading is
correct.
Only read the first five dials to give the five-digit meter
reading.
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How to Read Electricity Meters
An electric meter can be a standard meter that measures consumption in
kilowatt hours, or a variable rate ('economy 7') meter. Like gas meters,
the digital reading is the first five numbers from left to right.
For those with variable rate meters, read
both sets of numbers (omitting the last number on each row) and submit
them to the electricity supplier.
If a customer feels there is a problem with the meter, he should contact
the supplier for further advice.
Customers who read their meters regularly
are able to see energy consumption over time and this helps with
decisions as to whether to switch suppliers. Nowadays, being able to
compare gas and electricity prices is easier, allowing energy
customers to search the market for the best deals.
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