Gas and electric meters are devices that measure the energy you use in your home or business. They are essential for accurately recording and billing the amount of gas and electricity consumed by a property.

This blog will take you through the basics of gas and electricity meters, explaining how the meter readings work, how to read them, and how you can use this knowledge to better understand your bills and improve energy efficiency.

How Does A Gas Meters Work

gas meter

Gas meters measure the volume of natural gas or propane flowing into your home. They are crucial for billing and ensuring accurate meter readings of how much energy you’re consuming. Despite their simple purpose, gas metres come in various types, each with unique mechanisms.

Types of Gas Meters

  1. Diaphragm Meters:
      • The most common type for residential properties.
      • Has compartments that expand and contract as gas flows through, measuring its volume.
  1. Rotary Meters:
      • Often used in larger facilities or for higher gas flows.
      • Use rotating compartments to measure the flow accurately.
  1. Turbine Meters:
      • Typically applied in industrial settings.
      • Measure flow using a spinning turbine.
  1. Smart Gas Meters:
      • Becoming more common in homes due to their convenience.
      • Automatic meter readings sent to your energy supplier.

How to Read a Gas Meter Readings

For traditional gas meters: Look at the dials, usually four or five.

Read the numbers from left to right, noting when a dial points between two numbers (always record the lower number unless it’s between 9 and 0).

For smart gas meters: Check the display, often accessible by pressing a button or navigating through a menu. The screen will show your current usage in cubic metres or feet.

How Does An Electricity Meter Work

Electricity meters monitor how much electricity your household consumes. These readings are essential for calculating your energy bill and tracking usage trends. Like gas meters, electric meters come in various types.

Types of Electricity Meter

  1. Traditional Meter:
      • Often feature spinning dials or digital readouts.
      • Require manual readings by either you or a utility worker.
  1. Digital Metric Meters:
      • Provide easy-to-read numerical displays.
      • More accurate than older spinning-dial models.
  1. Smart Electricity Meter:
      • Sends automatic meter readings to your energy supplier.
      • Allow you to track your consumption in real-time through apps or online portals.
  1. Prepayment Meters:
      • Require you to top up in advance.
      • Useful for controlling usage and avoiding unexpected bills.

How to Read an Electric Meter

Traditional or Digital meter: Record the numbers shown on the display. Ignore anything after a decimal point.

Smart Meter: You can usually access the usage information through a smart display device, accompanying app, or utility website.

Reading Your Gas and Electricity Meters Accurately

Knowing how to read your meter is vital for verifying your bills and tracking energy usage. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

Gas Meter Reading

  1. Locate your meter. It may be outside or in a utility cupboard.
  2. If it’s a traditional meter, take note of the digits on the dials or digital display.
  3. For smart meters, press any button (if necessary) to wake up the screen, then record the usage figure displayed.

Electricity Meter Reading

  1. Find your meter. This is usually near the main fuse box.
  2. If it’s a spinning-dial meter, jot down the readings from left to right.
  3. For digital or smart meters, follow the screen’s menu to display the reading. Some smart meters may also break down energy used during peak and off-peak hours.

Pro Tip: Take photos of your readings if you’re submitting them online. It ensures there’s no confusion if a mistake arises.

Understanding Your Gas and Electricity Usage and Bills

Your energy meter readings are at the heart of your energy bill. Here’s how they translate into the charges you see:

How Energy Usage Is Calculated

  1. Providers subtract your previous reading from your current reading to calculate usage.
  2. Your usage is multiplied by the unit cost for gas (in cubic metres/feet) or electricity (in kWh).
  3. Additional charges, like standing charges, taxes, and fees, are added to the total.

Common Terms on Your Bill

  • kWh (kilowatt-hour): The unit of energy for electricity.
  • Standing Charge: A daily cost for maintaining the service, regardless of energy used.
  • Estimated Reading: A provider’s best guess if they didn’t receive an actual reading from you.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Gas and Electricity meters can occasionally cause confusion or issues. Here’s what to do when things go awry:

Common Problems

Meter Not Working: Digital displays may go blank. Check for a reset button or contact your energy supplier.

Unusually High Bills: Double-check your readings to ensure accuracy.

Suspected Faults: If you believe your meter readings aren’t accurate, request a test from your energy supplier.

Unable to Access the Meter: Contact your energy supplier for assistance if it’s located in a hard-to-reach area.

Safety Tips

  • Always handle your meter with care.
  • Report any signs of damage, leaks, or unusual smells near your gas meter immediately.

Is it Worth Getting a Smart Meter Installed?

A Smart Meter is an excellent way to track your energy usage and help you save on your bills. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros

  • Accurate real-time meter readings.
  • Remote meter readings save you time and hassle.
  • Potential for cost savings by tracking usage patterns.
  • More control over your energy consumption.

Cons

  • May not work with some tariffs or suppliers.
  • Some users may experience technical difficulties with installation or device connectivity.

Getting a Smart meter installed is a personal choice, but it’s worth considering the benefits and drawbacks to determine if it’s right for you.

Tips for Energy Efficiency

Reducing your energy use doesn’t just save money—it’s also better for the environment. Here’s how to use your meter to cut down on energy consumption:

  • Monitor Regularly: Keep tabs on your readings to identify unusually high usage.
  • Identify Energy Drains: Appliances like old boilers or poorly insulated homes can waste energy. Check your bills for trends that point to excess consumption.
  • Turn Off Standby Appliances: Unplug devices when not in use. They can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill.
  • Lower Your Thermostat: Reducing it by even 1°C can lead to noticeable savings. A Smart thermostat will help control your home.
  • Switch to Greener Energy: Consider suppliers that offer renewable energy options for both gas and electricity.

Start Taking Control of Your Energy Today

Gas and electric meter readings are more than just numbers—their readings are windows into your energy habits. By understanding how they work, reading them accurately, and applying the insights to reduce usage, you can save money and contribute positively to the planet.

All You Need to Know About Gas and Electric Meters