A beginner’s guide to gas and electricity meters
Understanding electricity and gas meters can help you manage them correctly. It could save you money on energy bills.
Meters explained
What lies within your electricity or gas meter box is key to ensuring that you get accurate energy bills, as it records how much energy you use. Smart meters will feed the information back to your energy company, or you may have to take readings yourself.
Opening up your meter box – from a specialist supplier such as https://www.meterbox.co.uk – and sending in accurate readings will ensure you are paying the right amount. It will also alert your provider to any issues, help you monitor and manage your energy usage, and take steps to save money on your energy bill.
Meter problems
If you are having unusual meter readings or bills, then there may be an issue with your meter. If you have a smart meter, you could turn off all appliances and watch to see if it is still registering significant amounts of usage.
If you suspect meter problems, contact your provider. Energy companies have a legal duty to ensure that your meters are accurate.
Meters can be sent off for independent testing or checked at home. The testing is free, but energy firms are able to charge for removing and replacing a meter.
You should also check that your meters’ unique identification numbers match those shown on your bills. Gas meters have a Meter Point Reference Number, or MPRN, and electricity meters have an MPAN, or Meter Point Administration Number.
