Low energy mode

Electricity meters

There are four types of electricity meters: mechanical digital, electronic digital, dial and smart meter. Smart meters send us your usage automatically but for the others, you will need to send us regular readings to make sure your bill is accurate. At times, we may also request for manual readings if there is a fault with your smart meter.

Your questions answered

How do I read a dial meter?

Read the numbers on the dials from left to right. Ignore dials that are red, don't have a pointer or that have no numbers or hands.  

Adjacent dials turn in the opposite direction. If the needle is between two figures, write down the figure the dial has just passed. 

How do I read a mechanical digital meter?

A mechanical meter can be a single or two rate meter. It should be read from left to right, ignoring the last number in red. Your meter may show 5 or 6 digits in black, please supply them all. If there are multiple readings, please supply all of them. When in doubt, send us all the readings.

How do I read an electronic digital meter?

An electronic meter can be a single or two rate meter. Each has just one row of figures. A two-rate meter will show the 'normal' or 'day' rate meter reading by default.  

Press the ‘cycle display button’ to see the 'low' or 'night' rate reading. Always take both readings and ignore the last number in red.

How do I read an Automated Meter Reading Device (AMR)?

Your AMR meter should send readings automatically but if you need to take a manual reading, here’s how: 

The LCD display on an AMR meter should automatically scroll through the time, date and the register reads. It can also be manually cycled by pressing the ‘display/select’ button (see picture for location).   

The number of registers depends on which tariff the meter has been programmed to (e.g. day, night would have 2 registers). If there are multiple readings, please supply all of them. When in doubt, send us all the readings as well as photos.

How do I read a smart meter?

Your smart meter should send readings automatically but if you need to take a manual reading, here’s how.  

 

The LCD display on a Smart meter should automatically scroll through the time, date and the register reads. It can also be manually cycled by pressing the ‘display/select’ button (see picture for location).   

 

The number of registers depends on which tariff the meter has been programmed to (e.g. day, night would have 2 registers). If there are multiple readings, please supply all of them. When in doubt, send us all the readings as well as photos.

Send us your meter reading

You must be logged in to submit this form. If you are logged in and still cannot post, make sure "Do not track" in your browser settings is disabled.

Lower your next meter reading

Practical ways to reduce your energy usage and increase your efficiency.

Switch off equipment Switch off as many PCs, machines, lighting and air-conditioning units as possible overnight and consider fitting timers to equipment such as water coolers and photocopiers.
Increase your efficiency Fit low-energy light bulbs and install movement sensors, especially in rooms that are not often used. Label equipment and control switches so that it's clear how to switch them on/off when it's needed.
Find where you can make savings Heating the workplace can account for 20-40% of business energy costs, so check your heating or cooling system is set come on/off at set times and at an acceptable temperature, we suggest 19C.
Monitor your usage Use our SourceProfile service to take regular meter readings and compare consumption over a few months so you can understand where and when you are using the most and where you could save.
Lead a culture change Lead by example; switch off lights and machinery and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Assign a member of staff as your ‘energy champion’ to introduce new ways of saving energy.
Take advantage of funding The Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme (ECA) enables you to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments of qualifying equipment so you could potentially write off the whole cost against your taxable profits for that period.

Get smart with your energy usage

Download a copy of our Energy Efficiency Guide

Download

Discover more

  • Frequently asked questions

  • Smart meters

Large business

If you're a generator or a commercial and industial (C&I) business, you're in the right place.

Am I a large business?

  • 300,000 kWh+ annual volume
  • £50k+ annual spend

Existing large business customer?  

Manage account

Small business

If you're a micro or smaller business you should visit our SmartestEnergy Business website.

Am I a small business?

  • < 300,000 kWh annual volume
  • < £50k annual spend
Visit SmartestEnergy Business

Existing small business customer?

Customer login