Meters And Readings

We've put together some answers to the most frequently asked questions about meters and meter readings

How do I read my meters

Meters with Rotating Counters (Mechanical)

Write down the numbers shown on the display, reading from left to right. Don’t include any red numbers, any with a red border or anything after a decimal point. 

For more information see our guide to reading mechanical meters here.

Meters with a Digital Display Screen (Digital Meters)

To read this type of meter you need to press the button on the front of your meter, the colour of this button can vary depending on the type of meter you have.
Each time you press the button a different display will show, note down everything that is displayed. Meter readings will be displayed next to a letter or number to show which rate the reading is for, these are normally, R1 or R2, 1 or 2, L or N, Low or Normal.
Some meters with digital displays will change between the readings automatically every few seconds. 

For more information see our guide to reading digital meters here.

Meters with Clock-Style Dials (Dial Meters)

Read the dials from left to right, starting with the dial labeled 10,000.
If the pointer is in between two numbers, always use the lower number, except when the pointer is between nine and zero, in this case the right reading to use is nine.
Each dial will turn in opposite directions, if your first dial turns clockwise the second dial will turn anticlockwise, please be sure to remember this when recording your reading. 

For more information see our guide to reading dial meters here.

Smart Meters

If you have an electricity single rate smart meter, the display will automatically show the reading.
If your electricity smart meter has two rates, press and release the blue display button and this will show rate 2.
For Gas smart meters press and hold the red button A for 5-10 seconds, this will then display ‘Credit ON’. Press and release button A and the meter will display the reading.


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I think my meter is faulty, what should I do?

If you think your meter may be faulty because your bill is higher than you expected then it may be worth thinking about:

•    if the meter readings we’ve used were read by you or a meter reader, and are not estimated
•    if we’ve under-estimated your bills in the past your bill will be higher as we’re charging you now, for energy you used in previous months
•    the time of year, as you may use more during the winter months
•    if there’s been a price change since your last bill
•    if you’ve changed anything in your home, for example new appliances
•    if there’s been an increase in the number of people in your home
•    if you’ve been doing home improvements the appliances used may increase your usage
•    if you have more than one reading on your meter they could be mixed up

If your bill is estimated, please read your meter and provide us with a meter reading.

If you manage your account online you can log in  and create your own bill. Just choose the meter reading option from the left hand side menu. Once you’ve entered your readings it will give you the option to create your bill.

If you want to manage your account online, or if you’d just like to give us your meter readings please click here .

To make giving us readings easier, we've developed our SmartPhone app. It helps you manage your account whenever, and wherever, it's convenient for you. To find out more about our SmartPhone app click here .

If you still think your meter may be faulty, we’re here to help, you can contact us  and we’ll be happy to go through it with you.

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I've just had my meter changed, do I need to do anything?

The great news is that we’ll update your account automatically, this may take up to six weeks but don't worry, we'll back date any changes.

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My new meter details aren't showing on my bill, what should I do?

If your meter has been changed within the last six weeks it’s possible that we haven’t updated your account yet. The next bill we send to you will show the correct meter detail, if this is not the case, please contact us.

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What is Economy 7?

This is an electricity tariff that has different unit prices based on the time of day. 

Economy 7 offers seven hours of cheap rate units during the night period. Daytime units are charged at a higher rate than E.ON EnergyPlan, our standard product.

In order to benefit from being on an E7 tariff you would need to use more than 34%* of your electricity during your cheap rate hours.

If you use less than 34%, you’d probably be better off on our single rate tariff. You can get a quote online now – use our quote tool on our Home page, but don’t tick the E7 box.   

The times for the cheap rate period can vary from household to household as they depend on the type of meter and teleswitch you have fitted, and the area where you live. 

If you already have an E7 meter and are unsure of your E7 times please call us on 
0345 052 0000, Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm or Sat 8am to 6pm.

If you do not have an E7 meter and you would like to change to this tariff you will need a new meter fitting at your own cost. If you're interested in switching to Economy 7 and you're an existing E.ON customer, please contact us on 0345 301 5793, Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm or Sat 8am to 4pm. If you're not with E.ON then please contact your current supplier.

*Based on our E.ON EnergyPlan prices and Ofgem’s average consumption for E7 customers of 5,000kWh


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How do I know if I have a metric or an imperial gas meter?

You’ll be able to tell which type of meter you have by checking the number of digits that make up your meter reading.

Imperial meters will have four digit readings, not counting any numbers in red or after the decimal point and are measured in cubic feet or ‘hcf’.

Metric meters will have five or six digit readings, again, not including any numbers in red or after the decimal point and are measured in cubic meters or ‘m3’.

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I can’t open my meter box, what should I do?

You open outside meter boxes with a specially designed key. In order to take your own meter readings you may need a key.

If you’ve just moved into your house the previous occupier may have left one for you.

If you need a meter box key please contact us  and we’ll send one.

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