Electric meter reading: how to read your meter

Knowing how to read your electricity meter is crucial for managing your energy usage and ensuring accurate billing. This guide provides clear, detailed instructions for reading common electricity meters, including modern smart meters. By understanding your meter, you can avoid estimated bills and gain a clearer picture of your consumption.

Understanding your electricity meter readings can help you manage your energy usage and ensure accurate billing. Fuse Energy makes it simple to stay on top of your energy. Click here to see how easy it is to switch and manage your energy with us.

Understanding your electricity meter

Accurate meter readings are essential for correct billing. Without them, your energy supplier will have to estimate your usage, which can lead to over or undercharging. If estimates continue for a long time, you might face a catch-up bill for unbilled usage. By providing regular readings, you help ensure your bills reflect the actual electricity you've used.

Why accurate readings matter

Your energy bill is calculated based on the amount of electricity you consume, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year, according to Ofgem's medium typical domestic consumption values1. Even small discrepancies in readings can add up over time. Providing accurate readings means you only pay for what you use, helping you budget effectively and manage your energy consumption.

Identifying your meter type

Before you can read your meter, you need to know what type you have. The three main types found in UK homes are:

• Digital meters: These have an electronic display showing numbers. They can be single-rate or multi-rate (like Economy 7).
• Dial meters: These older meters feature a series of clock-like dials that you read individually.
• Smart meters: These digital meters automatically send readings to your supplier, but you can still take a manual reading if needed. They typically have a digital display and buttons.

Reading digital electricity meters

Digital meters are common and generally straightforward to read.

Single-rate digital meters

For a single-rate digital meter, you'll typically see a single row of numbers on the display.

1. Locate the display: The reading will be clearly visible on the screen.
2. Record the numbers: Write down all the numbers from left to right.
3. Ignore decimals or red numbers: Disregard any numbers after a decimal point or those shown in red, as these usually represent fractions of a kWh.

The reading below, for example, would be 07220.

Multi-rate (Economy 7) digital meters

If you have a multi-rate meter, such as for an Economy 7 tariff, you'll be charged different rates for peak and off-peak electricity. These meters will display two rows of numbers, or cycle between two readings.

1. Identify the rates: Look for labels like "Low" or "Night" for the off-peak reading, and "Normal" or "Day" for the peak reading. Some meters might show "Rate 01" and "Rate 02".
2. Record both readings: Note down all the numbers from left to right for both the peak and off-peak rates, ignoring any red numbers or decimals.
3. Cycle through displays (if necessary): Some multi-rate digital meters require you to press a button to switch between the different rate displays.

Reading dial electricity meters

Dial meters can be a bit trickier due to their analogue nature, but with a systematic approach, they're easy to master.

How to read 5-dial meters

Most electricity dial meters have five dials.

1. Read from left to right: Start with the leftmost dial and work your way across.
2. Note the lower number: For each dial, write down the number that the pointer has just passed. If the pointer is between two numbers, always record the lower one. For example, if it's between 2 and 3, write 2.
3. Directly on a number: If a pointer is directly on a number, check the next dial to its right. If the next dial's pointer is between 9 and 0 (or shows a high number like 8 or 9), it means the previous dial hasn't quite completed its rotation, so you should record the lower number. If the next dial is between 0 and 1 (or shows a low number like 0 or 1), then the previous dial has passed the number it's on, and you can record that number.
4. Ignore the last dial (if applicable): Some meters have a smaller sixth dial marked "1/10" or in red; ignore this one.

Addressing red dials and decimal points

On dial meters, you might encounter red dials or a dial marked "1/10". These represent fractions of a kilowatt-hour and should be ignored when taking your reading. Focus only on the main five dials that measure whole kWh units.

Reading smart meters (SMETS1 and SMETS2)

Smart meters are designed to send readings automatically to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions. However, knowing how to read them manually can be useful for verifying your usage or if the meter temporarily goes offline.

General smart meter reading

Most smart meters have a digital display and one or more buttons (often labelled A and B, or with symbols like 'OK' or arrows).

1. Wake the display: The screen might be blank to save power. Press any button to wake it up.
2. Navigate the menu: Use the buttons to cycle through the display options until you find your meter reading. This is often indicated by "IMP", "IMPORT", or "kWh".
3. Record the numbers: Write down the numbers shown, ignoring any after a decimal point. If you have a multi-rate tariff (like Economy 7), you'll need to find and record both readings (e.g., "Rate 1" and "Rate 2").

It's important to note that the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which controls some older multi-rate meters, is being phased out, with the signal being switched off from 30 June 2025. If you have an RTS meter, your current supplier will need to replace it with a smart meter.

Specific smart meter models: kaifa, landis, honeywell, EDMI

Many UK homes have specific smart meter models. Here's how to read some of the most common ones:

• Kaifa smart meters:
  1. Press the Up button to enter the menu.
  2. With the arrow at 'General Display', press and hold Up.
  3. Press Down to navigate to 'Tariff Matrix'; with the arrow at 'Tariff Matrix', press and hold Up.
  4. With the arrow at 'TOU Register', press and hold Up. You'll see 'T01' and 'T02', which represent your different rate readings.
• Landis smart meters:
  1. Hold button B for a few seconds to open the Tariff Display List. The first screen will show your first rate.
  2. Press button A to move to the next rate. Note down both readings if you have a multi-rate tariff.
• Honeywell smart meters:
  1. Press the top button to wake the display and open the 'General' menu.
  2. Press the bottom button repeatedly to cycle through the options until you reach 'Registers'. Press the top button to select 'Registers'.
  3. Press the bottom button again to step through the options until you see 'IMP R1'. This is your single-rate reading. If you have a two-rate tariff, you'll also need to find 'IMP R2'.
• EDMI smart meters:
  1. Hold the OK button until 'Billing' appears on the screen. Hold OK again to enter the 'Billing' menu.
  2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to 'Advanced' (usually two presses of the '>' arrow). Hold OK to enter. 'TOUmtrx' will appear.
  3. Hold OK to enter the TOU matrix sub-menu. 'RATE1' will appear.
  4. Use the arrow buttons to view 'Rate 1' and 'Rate 2' readings.

Submitting your meter reading

Once you have your accurate meter reading, the next step is to submit it to your energy supplier.

When and how to submit readings

Most energy suppliers prefer you to submit readings around the same time each month, often close to your billing date. Submitting a reading on the 1st of the month ensures the most accurate bill calculation. You can typically submit readings via:

• Your supplier's app: Many suppliers, including Fuse Energy, offer a dedicated app where you can easily submit readings and track your usage.
• Online account: Log in to your energy supplier's website.
• Phone: Some suppliers offer an automated phone service or a customer service line for submitting readings.

Even if you have a smart meter, it's a good idea to occasionally check the reading yourself, especially if you're a new customer or if you suspect an issue.

Troubleshooting common reading issues

If you encounter difficulties reading your meter, don't worry. Common issues include:

• Unclear display: If the numbers are faint or hard to read, try shining a torch on the display.
• Confusing dials: Refer back to the specific instructions for dial meters, paying close attention to the direction each dial turns and how to interpret pointers between numbers.
• Smart meter not displaying: Ensure the meter is awake by pressing a button. If it's still unresponsive, it might be offline.

If you're still struggling after following this guide, Fuse Energy offers human customer support to help resolve any meter reading queries.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our human support team is always on hand with fast response times whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of typical domestic consumption values