Read your energy meter
Prevent overcharging
5 mins · Beginner · Prevents estimated billing
Last updated: March 2025
Before you start
If you do not submit regular meter readings, your energy supplier estimates your usage — and estimates are often wrong, leading to a surprise bill or an overpayment.
Most homes have two meters: one for electricity and one for gas. Smart meters send readings automatically. If you have a traditional meter with a dial or number display, you need to read it yourself.
Tools needed
- ✓Nothing needed — just your meter and phone to submit the reading
Find your meters
Electricity meters are usually near the front door, in a cupboard under the stairs, or in a hallway. Gas meters are often outside in a box or in the kitchen. If you live in a flat, meters may be in a communal cupboard.
Where beginners go wrong
Including the red decimal digits in the reading — suppliers only want the whole number.
Reading dial meters in the wrong direction — always read left to right.
Submitting a reading lower than the previous one — call your supplier if you think the meter may be faulty.
Stop and call a energy supplier if...
Your meter reading is going down or staying the same — the meter may be faulty
You cannot find your meter at all — ask your landlord or the property management
Cost breakdown
What you just learned
You now know how to read any type of UK energy meter and submit accurate readings. This prevents estimated bills and ensures you only pay for what you actually use.
What this unlocks
Once you are reading your meter regularly, you can track your energy use month by month and spot if consumption suddenly increases — which can indicate a faulty appliance or a problem with insulation.
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⚠️ Watch out if you rent
In a rented property, you are responsible for submitting your own meter readings to your energy supplier unless your rent includes bills. Ask your landlord who the supplier is when you move in and register as the account holder.