Information about meters and gas and electricity suppliers
Meters are funny old things. They all look slightly different and the way you read them might be different too, especially with electricity and gas meters. Generally, there will be a box with a screen and a set of numbers. If you’re not sure which set of numbers it is, you can always take a photo and email it to them. It’s also good to have one for your own records too.
When you move in, you’ll probably receive a letter from your current supplier welcoming you, your landlord might also know. If not, there are plenty of other ways for you to find out. Ofgem, the energy regulator, has more information on their website.
Who is my gas or electricity provider?
It’s important to take regular meter readings, so you’re only being charged for the amount of energy you actually use rather than an estimate from the energy supplier. If you’re making a conscious effort to use less energy but notice your costs haven’t gone down, make sure you send your supplier a meter reading so they know where you’re at with your usage.
Most suppliers will ask for meter readings once a month. But if you can’t keep up with that, it’s good to take a reading at the beginning and end of each term, then you and your housemates know how you’re getting on.
There are different types of meters and it’s best to make sure you know what you’ve got. Most houses with electricity and gas will just have standard meters.
If you live in a house with only electricity you might have an Economy 7 meter. This means that for 7 hours you have cheaper electricity at night, but it’s slightly more expensive in the day. If you’ve got one of these meters, make sure you take advantage of it and do any clothes washing then to save money. You’ll know if you have an Economy 7 meter, because your meter will have 3 readings: Rate 1, Rate 2, and Total.
You might, but it’s unlikely, have a Smart meter in place. This means your meter will automatically send your readings into your supplier so they know exactly what you’re using. Your landlord should let you know if you’ve got one.