You want to submit meter readings to your supplier using your Switch dashboard but you have no idea how to read it! This article will show you all the tips and tricks on how to read your meter correctly.
Reading a smart meter is slightly different. Click here if you have a Smart Meter.
- How do I correctly read my electricity meter?
- How do I correctly read my gas meter?
- How can I tell if my gas readings are measured in cubic feet or cubic meter?
How do I correctly read my electricity meter?
If you have a single rate digital meter
A digital meter has an electronic or digital display. It shows 5 numbers in black or white and may also display 1 or more red numbers. You do not need to submit the numbers in red.
For example, the below meter reading is 75085.
If you have a two-rate digital meter (Economy 7)
Some electricity meters will calculate day and night usage separately. Your energy supplier will need both readings.
The top row labelled 'low' or 'night' will show how many units of electricity you have used during off-peak periods. The bottom row labelled 'normal' or 'day' will show how many units of electricity you have used during peak times.
To read the meter write down the first 5 numbers shown from left to right for each row. You should ignore any numbers in red.
If you have a two-rate single display meter
Some dual-rate or two-rate meters will only have one digital display. There will be a button you will need to press to make the meter display the second reading. Your energy supplier will need both readings.
If you have a dial electric meter
A dial meter has 5 or more dials. They each turn to point to a number between 0 and 9. If there is a dial marked 1/10 this should be ignored.
To read a dial meter, note down the first 5 dials from left to right. You should write down the number that the pointer has just passed and underline any number that the pointer is exactly over when you write it down.
For example, the below meter reading is 1 5 6 4 9.
How do I correctly read my gas meter?
If you have a digital gas meter (Metric)
A digital metric gas meter will have a digital or an electronic display, showing 5 numbers followed by a decimal point, followed by some more numbers.
To read the meter write down the first 5 numbers shown from left to right. You should ignore any numbers after the decimal point, sometimes in red.
For example, the below meter reading is 00544.
If you have a digital gas meter (Imperial)
A digital imperial gas meter has an electronic or digital display, showing 4 black or white numbers, followed by 2 numbers in red.
To read the meter write down the first 4 numbers from left to right. You should ignore any numbers in red.
For example, the below meter reading is 1860.
If you have a dial gas meter
A dial gas meter has 4 or more dials. Each one turns to point to a number between 0 and 9.
To read the meter note down the first 4 dials from left to right along the bottom row only. Write down the number closest to each pointer. If the pointer is between 2 numbers, give the lower number, if the pointer is between 9 and 0, write down 9.
For example, the below meter reading is 7041.
How can I tell if my gas readings are measured in cubic feet or cubic meter?
A gas meter reading will be displayed in either ft3 (cubic feet, the imperial measure) or m3 (cubic metres, the metric measure). Your meter will have this written on the front.
If you have a smart meter for your gas, it will always be a metric (m3) meter.
