Part 2 of 10·Published on 24 Mar 2026 Are you a UK homeowner with solar panels on your property? Here's how to take your export meter reading correctly so you get paid accurately and on time with Fuse Energy's export tariff. If you have solar panels, your export meter reading determines how much you're paid for electricity sent to the grid. An export register records exactly how much energy you export, forming the basis of your payment. This guide shows you how to find the correct reading and submit it reliably.
Take the stress out of meter readings and billing for good. With Fuse Energy, you can choose between typing in your meter reading or taking a photo of it in our app and we'll handle the rest. Get clear bills, real-time half-hourly usage data, 24/7 human customer support, and a modern energy experience designed around you. Switch to Fuse Energy today in as little as 3 minutes, save annually on your bills, and see how simple energy can be.
- Find your export register on your smart meter.
- Look for "Total Active Export", "EXPRT", or similar.
- Record the reading in kWh (ignore numbers after the decimal point unless your supplier requests it).
- Submit the reading via Fuse Energy's app.
When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, the excess is exported to the grid. Your meter measures this automatically in a separate register or separate meter altogether. Your payment is based on the difference between two readings. For example, if your export reading increases from 2,500 kWh to 3,000 kWh, you exported 500 kWh to the grid. That exported amount is multiplied by your export tariff rates to calculate your payment.
You may see three different readings:
- Generation: the total energy your panels produce.
- Import: energy you take from the grid.
- Export: energy sent to the grid.
Only the export reading is used for export payments.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting the import or generation readings instead of export.
- Including numbers after the decimal point unless your supplier requests it.
These errors are the main causes of incorrect or delayed payments.
While buttons may vary with different meter models, the process is similar:
- Wake the screen, usually by pressing any button.
- Toggle through the screens. Most smart meters require pressing a button to cycle through registers until the export value appears.
- Find the screen displaying "Total Active Export" or "EXPRT".
- Record the full kilowatt-hour value.
- Submit it via the Fuse Energy app.
Managing your energy shouldn't feel like a monthly chore. While submitting meter readings can be necessary, Fuse Energy removes the friction around it. Instead of navigating clunky portals, you can simply upload a photo of your meter or type in the reading in our app, making the process faster, clearer, and less error-prone. You also get real-time, half-hourly usage and export data in the app and website if you have a connected smart meter. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand with fast response times of under 5 minutes whenever you need help. Switch to Fuse Energy in as little as 3 minutes and find out about our mission.
How do I know I have the right reading?
Look for "Total Active Export" or "EXPRT"; this is your total export reading.
Do smart meters automatically track export?
Yes. All SMETS2 smart meters measure both import and export electricity flows automatically, whereas only some SMETS1 meters can do this.1 You can confirm export measurement functionality with your supplier.
What should I do if my meter is broken or faulty?
If you suspect your physical meter is broken, such as the display being blank or showing an obvious error code, you must contact your supplier immediately. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the meter and will arrange for an engineer to come and investigate and replace the unit if necessary.
Do I still need to submit readings if I switch to Fuse Energy?
In most smart meter homes, you shouldn't need to submit regular manual readings because data is collected automatically. If you have a non-smart meter, Fuse Energy makes the process straightforward and transparent by giving you multiple options to submit each month. The goal is fewer estimated bills and less administrative work for you.
Disclaimer
For the avoidance of doubt, this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or financial advice. The author and/or Fuse Energy shall not be responsible for any losses arising out of any reliance on the information contained herein.
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