Knowing how to read your meters is one of those small tasks that can save you a lot of hassle and money down the line.
Why it matters:
If you’re moving into a new property, taking a meter reading on day one protects you from being billed for the previous occupant’s usage. If you’re moving out, it does the same in reverse — giving you clear evidence of your final reading so there’s no dispute with your supplier.
Finding your meters:
Gas and electricity meters are usually located in one of the following spots:
- Under the stairs
- In a hallway or utility cupboard
- Outside, in a meter box near the front of the property
- In the cellar or garage, in older houses
If you can’t locate yours, check your tenancy agreement, ask the landlord or letting agent, or contact your energy supplier; they can often tell you where the meter should be based on the property’s records.
How to read them:
- Digital meters display a row of numbers on a screen; simply note down the numbers from left to right, ignoring any numbers in red or after a decimal point.
- Dial meters (like the one pictured) are read by noting the number each dial pointer is nearest to, working left to right. If a pointer sits between two numbers, always record the lower one.
- Smart meters usually display your usage automatically via an in-home display, but it’s still worth taking a manual reading for your records when moving.
What to do with the reading:
Once you have it, send it to your energy supplier as soon as possible, ideally with a timestamped photo as backup. This is especially important during a house move, as it ensures billing is split accurately between outgoing and incoming occupants.
If you don’t know how to do this or aren’t confident locating your meters, don’t guess — seek advice from your supplier or landlord to avoid unexpected charges.
