Your electric meter is used to determine the amount of electricity you’re using in your home. Your energy supplier bills you according to the readings of your electricity readings.
Here are some frequent electricity meter readings, questions and answers.
How does a meter reading work?
Electric meters have a series of dials, the newer ones (smart meters) are digital. Numbers run from left to right. The numbers are used to determine the amount of electricity used since your last bill.
Should I submit meter readings?
Yes, you should, by submitting meter readings regularly, your supplier can give you near accurate electricity bills. The more often you submit meter readings, the more estimates reflect your real-life usage.
How often should I submit meter readings?
The minimum recommendation is every three months, although some people prefer to submit their readings every two months or once a month.
What happens if I don’t submit meter readings?
Your supplier will send you an estimated bill which will be more or less than what you have actually used. You’ll either end up paying too much, and your account will be in credit or pay to little and your account will be in debt, and your payments will have to increase to cover it.
What is an estimated bill?
An estimation of the electricity your electric supplier thinks you have used. Suppliers only resort to estimations when they don’t have any readings to go on.
How do I submit a meter reading?
Write down the numbers on your electric meter (don’t worry about the ones marked in red on the right) submit to your supplier by email, via their website or over the phone.
How often does a meter reader man visit your home?
A meter reader will visit your home at least twice a year; in some areas, it may be more frequent 3-4 times a year.
How often are you billed for electricity?
Depends on the supplier and your arrangement anywhere from once to every three months is typical.
Do I need to submit meter readings if I have a smart meter?
No, the smart meter sends the readings daily to your supplier. You are however free to readings if you want to a good idea if you want to keep a close eye on your usage.
How does the smart meter send readings?
Smart meters take your reading and send them through a secure network (not the internet) to your supplier. Only relevant information about your energy consumption is sent over the network (no personal details)
How do I know if my electric meter is accurate?
Turn off every appliance and light in your home (a quick way is via the mains switch on your consumer unit this will shut off all electricity to your home) once everything is off checked your meter. You’ll likely notice the dials/digital display are still (which they should be as no electricity’s flowing) this means your electric meter is accurate.
If however, the dials are still moving (when there’s no electricity) or you receive a much larger than usual electric bill contact your supplier.