How to Read Your Smart Electricity Meter

We’re here to help you get the most from your smart meter. Usually, you don’t need to manually take readings—your smart meter automatically sends them to us, ensuring accurate billing. This process is called operating in ‘smart mode.’ If you’re unsure whether your meter is working in smart mode, feel free to contact us.

However, there are times when you might need to take a manual reading, such as:

• After switching to us from another supplier, when we may need your initial reading.
• If your smart meter is older, and we’re unable to connect to it automatically.
• To monitor your energy usage and see how it changes over time.

If you need to provide a meter reading, you can share it with us via our website, email, or by giving us a call. 

Remember to check your Smart Meter instead of your In-Home Display (IHD)

When your smart meter was installed, you likely received an In-Home Display (IHD), a small, portable device that allows you to track your energy usage. While it’s helpful, your IHD isn’t the same as the actual meter, and readings should be taken directly from your smart meter.

Your meter is usually installed on a wall or inside a cupboard, such as in your kitchen or an external box outside your home. If you need assistance finding your meter, just let us know.

How to Take a Meter Reading

The steps for taking a reading depend on your meter type. Here’s a guide for the most common models:

Meters with a Keypad

1. For single-rate plans:
   • Press 9.
   • Wait until "IMP KWH" appears on the screen.
   • Write down the numbers shown before "KWH," ignoring leading zeros and anything after the decimal point.
2. For dual-rate plans (e.g., Economy 7):
   • Press 6 until you see "IMP R01" (your night/off-peak reading). Write this number down.
   • Press 6 again to see "IMP R02" (your day/peak reading) and record this number as well.

Meters with "A" and "B" Buttons Below the Screen

• Press the A button repeatedly until "TOTAL ACT IMPORT" and a number followed by "KWH" appear.
• Write down the displayed number, ignoring leading zeros and digits after the decimal.

Meters with a Green "A" Button and a White "B" Button

1. For single-rate plans:
   • Press the B button to activate the screen.
   • Follow any prompts (select "no" for "meter boost" if it appears).
   • Record the numbers shown before "KWH."
2. For dual-rate plans:
   • Press the A button repeatedly to display "Rate 01 Act Imp" (night/off-peak reading).
   • Press A again to see "Rate 02 Act Imp" (day/peak reading).

Meters with Three Buttons on the Right

1. For single-rate plans:
   • Press the middle button and note the number under "IMP."
2. For dual-rate plans:
   • Press the middle button multiple times to cycle through readings labeled "R1" (off-peak), "R2" (peak), and "T" (total).
   • Record only the requested readings.

Meters with Orange and Blue Buttons

1. Press the orange button to display the reading.
2. Write down the numbers shown, excluding leading zeros and anything after the decimal point.

Meters with Two White Buttons

• Look for a screen showing numbers followed by "KWH."
• Note these numbers directly; the meter will cycle through different screens automatically.

Meters with a "Reconnect" and "Display" Button

• Press the display button until numbers followed by "KWH" appear.
• Record these numbers, ignoring zeros at the start or after the decimal.

Meters with Green "A" and Gray "B" Buttons

• The reading should appear on the screen automatically. Record the number shown next to "KWH."

Meters with Yellow Square Buttons

1. For single-rate plans:
   • Press the right-hand yellow button twice until "TOU, 1" appears with numbers.
2. For dual-rate plans:
   • Press the same button again to see "TOU, 2" for the second reading.

Meters with Blue and Orange Buttons

1. For single-rate plans:
   • Press the blue button (labelled "A") to light up the screen.
   • Press it again until "Total active import KWH" is displayed.
2. For dual-rate plans:
   • Press the blue button to find readings labelled "TOU Rate 1" (off-peak) and "TOU Rate 2" (peak).