How to take and submit a meter reading
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ENERGY bills are set to rise for millions across the UK from tomorrow, October 1, after the Energy Price Guarantee comes into effect.
The average UK households' bills will go up from £1,971 to £2,500 after government intervention stopped them from going even higher.
The £2,500 figure is based on a household with typical consumption on a dual electricity and gas bill paying by direct debit.
Millions of households have been urged to get their meter readings in before October 1 so they're billed the correct amount for their usage up until the end of September.
This is only the case for those on traditional energy meters though as smart meters send readings to your supplier automatically.
You also don't need to send them if you're on either a traditional or smart prepayment meter as you top up your meter on a pay-as-you-go basis.
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However, if you are on a traditional meter and don't know how to take a reading, we explain everything below.
How do you take a meter reading?
The way you take a meter reading depends on what type of meter you have. For example if it's for electric or gas it will vary.
Once you've taken a reading, you should be able to submit it a number of ways including text message or phone.
You might also be able to submit it online or through your supplier's app.
Gas meters
If you have a digital metric meter showing five numbers then a decimal place, you only need to write down the first five number from left to right.
If you have a digital imperial meter your meter will read four black numbers and two red numbers - note down the four black numbers only.
If it's every month, you should aim to submit a reading two days before your payment date every four or so weeks.
If you are billed quarterly, you'll only need to take meter readings every three months.
If you're on a smart meter, you don't need to take any readings as they will be taken automatically.
It's also worth taking a picture of your meter reading as evidence if your supplier raises questions about what you've submitted.
It comes after consumer champion Martin Lewis urged millions to get their readings done.
What other energy bill help can I get?
From October 1, millions of households will start receiving a £400 energy rebate.
The payment will be made to your energy supplier who will then deduct it from your bill.
Households will receive a £66 discount in October and November, and a £67 one every month from December to March.
Millions of pensioners who usually get the Winter Fuel Allowance will receive £300 on top from November.
Some households are set to get a £150 Warm Home Discount between December and March 2023 as well.
You might also be able to get an energy grant from your supplier.
British Gas is offering one, as well as , Octopus Energy, and
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