Meter readings are the only way for suppliers to make sure you’re accurately billed.
When you send a meter reading to your supplier, it’s verified by a central regulator in the energy industry. This is how your official annual usage estimates are calculated.
The more accurate the annual usage information you have, the easier it is for you to make sure your direct debit with a supplier is correct.
What happens if they aren't submitted?
If you don’t submit meter readings on a regular basis, the suppliers (and the regulator) will use estimated readings to bill you, and to track changes to your annual usage. These are calculated in a complicated way, but they take into account:
- Your previous usage history, from your meter readings, and
- Seasonality, i.e. the changing weather throughout the year which might make you use more fuel.
If the estimated readings aren’t right, you could be billed too much or too little for your energy, and this can go on for a very long time. This can lead to shock bills when the meter reading is updated.
When, and how often, should I submit meter readings?
Most energy companies will send out meter readers a couple of times a year to your property, but they might not always be able to read the meter at the time. So it’s important you submit meter readings at least a couple of times a year.
Opening meter readings are special meter readings that you provide to a new energy supplier. The old supplier uses the same reading to close your old account off, so you don’t pay twice for any energy.
It’s particularly important to submit these opening readings when the new supplier asks for them, as if they’re not submitted, it can delay your final bill by weeks.
