Part 5 of 10·Published on 24 Mar 2026 As a UK energy customer, few things cause more worry than a surprise on your energy bill. Knowing when to submit a meter reading is one of the most important actions you can take to stay in control of your energy bills. Submitting a reading at the right time prevents suppliers from estimating your usage and potentially overcharging you. This guide explains the most important times to submit readings, how to do it correctly, and how modern suppliers like Fuse Energy simplify the entire process.
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.
- Submit readings monthly when your supplier requires it. At Fuse Energy, we ask customers to submit readings on the first day of every month if we aren't receiving remote reads from a connected smart meter.
- Use your supplier's app or website for the fastest processing.
- Know your meter type (smart, digital, or dial).
Energy suppliers issue bills regularly. If they do not have a recent meter reading, they estimate your consumption based on past usage or average data for similar households. These estimates may be inaccurate if your energy habits have changed. Submitting your own reading replaces guesswork with real data, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
The hidden cost of estimated energy bills
Estimated bills often appear harmless at first, but they can create problems later. If the estimate is too low, you may face a large catch-up bill when an accurate reading is eventually recorded.
- Assuming the estimated bill is correct without checking your meter.
- Submitting the read too late.
- Forgetting to record readings when moving house.
The only way to guarantee accurate billing
If you have a traditional (non-smart) meter, manual meter readings are a precise record of your consumption at a specific date and time. This ensures that the energy used up to that point is billed correctly. Providing regular readings keeps your account accurate and allows you to track energy costs reliably.
The way you submit a reading depends on the type of meter installed in your home. Traditional meters require manual readings, while smart meters usually send readings automatically. However, if your smart meter loses connectivity and stops sending remote reads, you will need to provide manual reads to ensure your bills remain accurate.
Traditional meters
If you have a digital or dial meter, submitting a reading once a month keeps your bills accurate.
- Locate your meter.
- Record the numbers displayed (ignore red digits and digits after the decimal point unless your supplier requests it).
- Log in to your supplier's website, mobile app, or submission portal.
- Find the option to submit a meter reading.
- Enter the numbers and confirm the date.
Why you might not need to send a reading
If you have a smart meter, these automatically send readings to your supplier using the secure national smart meter network.1 In most cases, you will not need to submit a reading manually. However, you may still be asked to provide one if the connection temporarily fails or if your supplier requires verification.
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 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.
What happens if I forget to submit a meter reading?
Your supplier will issue an estimated bill based on historical usage. If the estimate is incorrect, your account will be adjusted once an accurate reading is provided.
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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