Navigating the world of gas and electricity meters can be confusing. There are several different types of meters out there, and you might not be familiar with all of them. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
This guide will cover how gas and electric meters work and then dive into the different types of meters, so there aren’t any unanswered questions.
How Do Meters Work?
Gas Meters
Gas meters measure the volume of gas used in a property. Older gas meters may measure the volume in cubic feet (ft3) and only have 4 digits while newer meters use cubic meters (m3) and have 5 digits. Your bill is based on the amount of gas you’ve used during the billing period. Your bill will show the start and end readings from your meter in that timeframe, the calorific value (CV), which is a measure of the available heat energy in the gas, and a breakdown of the calculation used to convert it from the units your meter records to kilowatt hours (kWh).
The start and end readings can be actual readings taken directly from your energy meter, or estimated readings based on how much gas your energy provider thinks you may have used.
Electricity Meters
Electric meters measure how much electricity is used in a property. All types of electric meter typically measure electricity in kilowatt hours (kWh), which tracks the number of kilowatts consumed over time.
It’s this measurement that your energy supplier uses to calculate your electricity usage and work out your bill.
Depending on your electricity tariff, your meter may have more than one reading to measure the electricity used at different times of the day. An example of this is the Economy 7 tariff, which offers a cheaper price for 7 hours at night, but may cost slightly more during the day. This tariff will need a meter with two meter readings or rates.
Mechanical Meter
These types of meters use a simple mechanical display to show your energy usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) for electric and units of volume (Cubic Feet or Cubic Meters) for gas.
Reading this type of meter is easy. You just need to note down the black numbers from left to right, ignoring any red numbers if they appear – these represent figures after the decimal point, and your supplier doesn’t need these.
Dial Meter
Instead of numbers, these types of meters display your energy usage on 5-6 rotating dials that look a bit like clocks, and the dial readings go up as your consumption increases.
They can appear complicated, but following these steps makes them straightforward to read:
- Start by reading the first five dials from left to right and note the number the needle is pointing towards. Ignore any red dials, dials without figures or hands, or dials labelled 1/10.
- If the pointer is between two numbers, always record the lower number (for example, if it’s between 8 and 9, write down 8).
- If the pointer is directly over a number, write that number down and underline it.
- If you’ve underlined a number, check the next dial to the right. If that dial is between 9 and 0, reduce the number you’ve highlighted by 1 (e.g., if it was originally at 5, it is now 4).
Remember that each dial moves in the opposite direction to the one beside it. Always note the direction of your dials before you read them.
Digital Meters
These types of meters make it a bit simpler, instead of dials or a mechanical display, they show your meter reading in numbers on a digital screen.
Here’s how to take a reading:
- Record the figures shown on the display, from left to right, ignoring any figures in red, or any after the decimal point.
If the display is blank, press the button to show the reading.
Prepayment Meters
These types of meters are often referred to as ‘key meters’, ‘card meters’, or ‘Pay As You Go (PAYG) meters’. They require you to use a key or top-up a card to access energy. The meter then allows the amount of energy you have paid for to pass through the meter.
Older key and card meters need to be topped up at a shop. Newer smart prepayment meters allow you to pay for your gas and electricity in advance through an app, online, by phone, or text message. These can also be changed from Pay As You Go mode by your supplier without the need to change your meter.
If someone often struggles to pay their energy bills, or if they are in debt with their supplier, they may be put on a prepayment meter to help them budget for the energy they can afford to use. However, most suppliers offer payment plans that help with budgeting. This means you won’t usually have to have a prepayment meter unless you are paying back a debt.
Read our article all about prepayment meters here.
Different types of meters require different steps to check your remaining credit.
For electricity key meters, you will need to press the blue button. This will allow you to scroll through the screens to see your credit and your energy usage readings. For gas card meters, simply press the red button to view the details. You will need to insert your key or card into the meter to be able to view some of the screens. For smart Pay As you Go meters you can see this information on the meter, on the In Home Display or in the app or online account provided by your supplier.
Smart Meters
These types of meters are exactly that – energy meters, but smarter. As they offer detailed information on how and when energy is being used in your household, they are being introduced to replace older ‘traditional’ and prepayment meters.
Normally, you won’t need to read your smart meter as the meter readings will be sent straight to your supplier. If you do, you will be able to see the readings on the meter like you would a digital meter. You will also be able to see the readings on your In Home Display.
Your energy supplier can tell you whether your home is suitable for a smart meter. They are responsible for installing the equipment safely, including the energy meter, home display, and communications hub. Once installed, your hub sends information to your supplier, so your bills accurately reflect the energy you use.
Many people worry that others could "hack" into these types of meters, to steal gas and electricity, but smart meters are actually highly secure. They’re also incredibly helpful for monitoring energy use and cutting down on waste.
Learn more about smart meters here.
Find out more about how to save energy here.
Regardless of the type of meter, if you suspect meter tampering or energy theft you can report it 100% anonymously using our online form or by calling the Stay Energy Safe reporting line on 0800 023 2777, to speak directly to one of the Stay Energy Safe team.