Submit meter reading online

Providing your energy supplier with accurate meter readings online is a straightforward way to avoid estimated bills and maintain control over your energy account. For most UK householders, this process is crucial for ensuring you only pay for the energy you actually use.

Managing your energy should be simple. Fuse Energy aims to make this a seamless experience, empowering customers through its digital-first approach and app-centric tools, helping you stay on top of your usage. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Why submitting meter readings matters

Accurate meter readings are the foundation of fair energy billing. Without them, your supplier relies on estimates, which can lead to unexpected costs or credits building up on your account.

Avoiding estimated bills

Estimated bills occur when your energy supplier does not receive actual readings from your meter. Instead, they estimate your usage based on past consumption patterns. While convenient, these estimates can be inaccurate, leading to you either overpaying or underpaying for your energy. Over time, this can result in large "catch-up" bills if you have been undercharged, or significant credit if you have been overcharged. Ofgem, the energy regulator, has rules to protect consumers from back-billing, generally limiting suppliers from charging for energy used more than 12 months ago if the supplier was at fault for the billing error. However, regularly submitting your own readings removes this uncertainty entirely.

Gaining control over your energy costs

Submitting regular meter readings gives you clear visibility into your energy consumption. This allows you to track how much electricity and gas you are using, identify trends, and make informed decisions about your energy habits. For instance, the average UK home uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year. Knowing your own usage against this benchmark can help you manage your budget more effectively and avoid bill anxiety. Understanding your energy bill can help you take control of your household finances.

Smart meters vs manual meters

Understanding your meter type is the first step in managing your energy readings. The method for submitting readings differs significantly depending on whether you have a smart meter or a traditional manual meter.

Understanding automatic smart meter readings

Smart meters are designed to send your energy readings directly and automatically to your supplier, eliminating the need for manual submissions. For Fuse customers, 'ONLINE' smart meters send midnight readings within the last two days, ensuring your bills are based on up-to-date consumption data. This automation provides accurate billing and helps you track your usage without lifting a finger. Smart meters also offer the potential for more detailed usage data, with some able to send half-hourly readings, giving you even greater insight into your energy consumption.

Identifying your manual meter type

If you do not have a smart meter, you will have a traditional manual meter. These come in various forms for both electricity and gas. It is important to know which type you have, as the reading process can differ. Manual meters require you to physically read the numbers displayed and then submit them to your energy supplier.

How to read your energy meter

Reading your meter accurately is key to preventing billing errors. Here is how to read the most common types of electricity meters and gas meters.

Reading a digital electricity meter

Most digital electricity meters display your reading as a series of numbers, usually in black, with some numbers (often in red or after a decimal point) that you should ignore. Simply write down the numbers from left to right, excluding any red digits or those after a decimal point.

Reading a dial electricity meter

Dial meters can be a bit trickier. They typically have five or more small dials, each pointing to a number from 0 to 9.

• Read the first five dials: from left to right, ignoring any red dials or those marked 1/10.
• Between two numbers: If the pointer is between two numbers, always record the lower number.
• Directly on a number: If the pointer is directly on a number, write that number down. If it is between 9 and 0, write down 9.

Reading a digital gas meter

Similar to digital electricity meters, digital gas meters display a series of numbers. Note down the black numbers from left to right, ignoring any numbers shown in red or after a decimal point.

Reading an imperial gas meter

Older imperial gas meters measure gas in cubic feet (ft³), rather than cubic metres (m³). They often have four or five dials, similar to electricity dial meters. Read these dials from left to right, taking the lower number if a pointer is between two digits. Gas meter readings, whether in m³ or ft³, are converted to kilowatt-hours (kWh) for billing purposes by your supplier. This conversion accounts for factors like calorific value and a volume correction factor.

Step-by-step: submitting your meter reading online

Once you have your readings, submitting them online is usually a quick and easy process.

Accessing your online account or app

Most energy suppliers, including Fuse Energy, provide an online portal or a dedicated mobile app for customers to manage their accounts. Log in using your registered details. Fuse's app offers a clear, digital-first method for customers to submit manual meter readings.

Entering and confirming your readings

Navigate to the meter reading submission section within your account or app. You will typically find separate fields for your electricity and gas readings. Carefully enter the numbers you have noted from your meters. Double-check them for accuracy before confirming and submitting. Submitted readings may be subject to validation by your supplier.

What to do if you encounter issues

If you have trouble submitting a reading, or if your reading is rejected, contact your energy supplier's customer support. Common issues include misreading the meter, technical glitches with the online portal, or a meter fault. Missing or invalid meter readings can lead to estimated billing. If you suspect a fault with your meter, your supplier can arrange an inspection.

Frequently asked questions about meter readings

How often should I submit a reading?

For manual meters, submitting a reading monthly is recommended to keep your bills accurate and avoid large adjustments. If you have a smart meter, it should send readings automatically, so you generally do not need to submit them manually. However, it is still a good idea to check your in-home display or app regularly to monitor your usage.

What if my reading is rejected?

If your submitted reading is rejected, it could be due to a discrepancy with previous readings or a simple error in transcription. Your energy supplier will usually contact you to request a re-submission or to clarify the reading. If the issue persists, it might indicate a problem with the meter itself, and your supplier can investigate.

Considering a smart meter upgrade?

For those with manual meters, upgrading to a smart meter can simplify energy management significantly. Smart meters automatically send readings, removing the need for manual submissions and ensuring accurate bills. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) for legacy meters, which used radio signals to switch between peak and off-peak rates, is being phased out, with the signal being switched off in stages from 30 June 2025. If you have an RTS meter, your current supplier should have contacted you to arrange a free smart meter upgrade. Once you have a smart meter, managing your energy with a digital-first provider like Fuse becomes even more effortless. You can find out more about smart meter installation and its benefits here.

Managing your energy should be straightforward, and Fuse Energy is here to help. We offer clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support to answer any questions you may have. Switching to Fuse is quick and easy, allowing you to take control of your energy bills.