Ensure you get the cheapest energy around with British Gas, on average the cheapest energy suppliers in Britain. Find great prices on energy, boiler insurance and homecare insurance online now.
Every winter energy suppliers receive thousands of complaints regarding customer electricity bills. Often the problems are caused by incorrect meter readings. There are three different types of meters in the UK. It’s important to know which one you have, how to read it and what to do if you have a complaint.
What type of meter do you have?
There are three different types of meters in the UK.
Standard meters
A standard meter measures your electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours, that is, the amount of energy used, in kilowatt units, used over one hour. All electricity units are charged at the same rate every date.
Variable rate meters
Variable rate meters, or “economy 7 meters” as they are sometimes called, give two readings: one for daytime usage and one for night-time electricity usage. You might have one of these meters is your energy supplier offers variable rates (for example, you may pay less for your electricity at night).
Prepayment meters
Prepayment meters are the easiest way for you to ensure that you don’t use too much electricity per month. The meter accepts cards or tokens that can be bought or topped up and when they run out…your electricity stops.
How to read meters
Numeric Display
Reading your meter is simple. If it is off the standard type, the first five figures, read from left to right, give you your energy reading.
For a variable rate meter, you will have to read off both sets of numbers, but ignore the last number from each row.
Meter Disputes
All meters used in the UK have to be approved and verified by Ofgem and meet certain accuracy limits before they can be used for billing. The owner of the meter has to ensure that the meter is accurate and if there is any dispute from either the consumer or the supplier as to the accuracy of a meter reading then Ofgem will provide a service to test and certify the meter.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Choosing a best electricity supplier in UK
- Shocking Service From your Electricity Supplier?
- Diy Electricians Warned: Don'T Play With Electricity
- Secrets To Halving Your Business Electricity Bills
- Facts and History of Electrical and Electronic
- Cable Selection Considering Over Current and Electric Shock
- Electricity and Gas Switching Guide
- What to do about Gas and Electricity if you Move House
Ensure Tax Savings by Buying Replacement Windows!
By: John H Carol | 21/12/2009Energy efficiency has gained national importance. Window replacement is recognized as one stellar way to aid in energy independence and the reduction of harmful global emissions. Choosing the right replacement windows is a way to save money and the environment. Choosing replacement windows with energy-saving benefits is simple and the federal...
Child Proofing Your Living Room Can Prevent Accidents
By: Joel McDonald | 21/12/2009Whether you are listing your home for sale, or just have a young child in the household, there are a few things to consider in placement of certain furniture, electrical cords and precious breakables, including televisions and other electronic gadgetry. Many people don't think about the damage a young child...
PODS Unit Loading Tips
By: Jason Kay | 21/12/2009Portable On Demand Storage, or PODS, units are a great alternative to renting a moving truck and snookering a bunch of friends to help you load it up and then unload it at your new place all in the same day. With PODS, they deliver the unit to you, you...
Properly Winterize Your Lawn Sprinkler System
By: Joel McDonald | 21/12/2009When it comes to lawn sprinkler systems, they are great for taking care of your lawn during the hot summer months, but when it comes to the winter months, they can create a large expense, if they aren't drained properly. When it comes to winterizing your lawn sprinkler system, they...
Choosing Your New Home's Window Coverings
By: Joe Cline | 21/12/2009Buying a new home is an exciting opportunity to create the look you have always wanted. Starting from a blank slate, there is not a doubt that it is fun to pick out colors, textures and designs from a wide array of options. However, sometimes those large selections can be quite daunting, especially when it comes to window coverings.
Choosing Granite for Your Kitchen Remodel
By: Joe Cline | 21/12/2009More and more homeowners are choosing granite countertops during their kitchen remodel. The reasons are plenty, but perhaps you are researching countertop options and are wondering what the big deal with granite is. After all, it can be quite expensive to install. There are many great reasons why new homebuilders and remodeling homeowners are choosing granite over traditional tile or laminate.
5 Feng Shui Design Tips
By: Joe Cline | 21/12/2009Feng Shui is an ancient school of design, of Chinese origins. This design theory is based in the placement of objects in a room, in order to achieve a proper flow of energy or chi, as it is called by the Chinese. Finding a perfect balance and flow in a room can be difficult for those who do not understand the principles of Feng Shui;
What Are the Benefits of a Whirlpool Bath
By: Derek Rogers | 21/12/2009If you've never tried a whirlpool bath before, then you have no idea what you're missing! That sounds slightly redundant, but it's just the truth. If you are like many people who spend the entire day with an aching back, then you know exactly what you would give to have...
Methods of Electrical Generation
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementMost of the electricity produced in the world today is produced by dirty, polluting coal-fired power plants, for the simple reason that this remains the cheapest way of producing electricity on a large scale. There are, however, other ways in which it can be produced:
Monitoring your meter
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementEvery winter energy suppliers receive thousands of complaints regarding customer electricity bills. Often the problems are caused by incorrect meter readings. There are three different types of meters in the UK. It’s important to know which one you have, how to read it and what to do if you have a complaint.
How to measure the electricity usage of your appliances
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementIf you want to get an accurate reading of how much energy an appliance is using, then you can do this with your electricity meter and a stopwatch, although you will have to turn everything else in your house off first.
Safety Tips for Kids and Electricity
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementIt is a well known fact that children and electricity do not mix, as their natural curiosity, combined with a lack of awareness of the dangers of electricity, can be a deadly combination. However, if you take the necessary precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk to your child - and the rest of your family - that is posed by electricity. Here are a few pointers:
Electricity generation explained
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementAlthough static electricity is present in nature, in thunderclouds, nerve endings, and brains, there is no way at present to harness this in such a way that it could provide a steady flow of electricity to power appliances.
Electricity Facts
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementElectricity results from the presence and flow of electrical charge.
Which light bulb is right for you?
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementUp until fairly recently, you did not have to put a great deal of thought into your choice of domestic light bulb, as not only was energy a lot cheaper, but also incandescent bulbs were the only type available.
Erasing your carbon conscience
By: Dave Sabri | 20/06/2009 | Home ImprovementCarbon offsetting offers people a means to compensate for the carbon emissions they produce through energy consumption. Around 40% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions are produced through electricity consumption in home. This means that every individual has a carbon footprint to offset.