How do I read my meter?

Follow our easy step-by-step guides below to learn how to read your meter. 

Not sure how to read your meter?

There are step-by-step guides below and videos to help.

How to submit a meter reading

You can submit meter readings on your online account. The best time to submit is 1 to 5 days before your 'next bill between' date. See how to submit a reading.

Why submit a meter reading?

  • It helps make sure your bills are accurate.
  • It could help you save money.

Note for electricity customers: If your last six readings were estimated, you might qualify for a free special meter read.

24 Hour Revolving Disc Meter 

This meter tracks all your electricity use on one display.

How to take a reading: 

  • Write down the numbers from left to right.
  • Ignore numbers in red or inside a red box.

Note: If you have night storage heaters, you may have two of these meters installed, or a single Day and Night meter. 

 24 hour revolving disc meter

Time of Day (Day and Night) Revolving Disc Meter 

    This meter shows separate readings for daytime and nighttime use.

    How to take a reading:

    • Read both displays from left to right.
    • "1" = Night usage, "2" = Day usage.
    • Ignore numbers in red or in a red box.

    time of day revolving disc meter

    24 Hour Electronic Meter 

    This digital meter shows all usage on one main screen.

    How to take a reading:

    • Read all numbers on the screen from left to right.
    • Include all digits.
    • If there’s an arrow (→), it’s not a decimal point, just ignore it.

    24 hour electronic meter

    Time of Day (Day and Night) Electronic Meter 

    This meter has a button to switch between day and night readings.

    How to take a reading:

    • Press the display button to scroll through the readings.
    • Look for ‘1’ = Night and ‘2’ = Day.
    • Read each display from left to right and include all digits.
    • Ignore arrows (→), as they are not decimal points.

    time of day electronic meter

    Elster A1140 Microgeneration (Import /Export) 

    Used if you generate your own electricity (like with solar panels).

    How to take a reading: 

    • Either press a blue or yellow button, or wait for the screen to auto-scroll.
    • Read the relevant screen when the correct reading appears.

    microgeneration meter example

    Digital Meter 

    This meter has a digital display with readable numbers.

    How to take a reading:

    • Read the numbers from left to right.
    • Ignore any digits to the right of a comma or in a red box.

     digital meter example

    Dial Clock Meter 

    This type shows your usage using several small clock-like dials. 

    How to take a reading: 

    • Read the four small dials at the bottom, from left to right.
    • If the pointer is between two numbers, write the lower number.
    • If it’s between 9 and 0, use 9.
    • Write the numbers into the matching boxes on your card or form.

    dial clock meter

    Smart Meter 

    This meter sends readings automatically, no need to submit them.

    Videos on how to read your meter: 

    How to read your electricity meter:

    How to read your gas meter: