A new smart meter survey revealed that almost half of their respondents said they either didn’t have consumption data or didn’t even look.
With bills expected to rise next month, it’s important to check your smart meter readings for any faults before April 1.
Meter reading day (or week) is 30 Sept – full details on what you need to do https://t.co/qcb4l36T8Y #MartinLewis
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) September 22, 2022
How to read your gas or electricity meter
Your supplier needs regular readings from your gas or electricity meter to work out your bills. If you don’t send them readings, they’ll estimate your usage. This means your bill might be too high or low.
Before any changes in tariff, it’s worth contacting your supplier to give them the readings – or check if you can submit one on their website or app.
If you can’t get to your meter, your energy supplier might be able to give you extra help to read or move your meter. You can check if you can get extra help from your energy supplier.
If you have a smart meter
Smart meters are different to standard meters – they normally send readings to your supplier automatically.
You’ll normally also get a portable device called an ‘in-home display’ – this shows how much you’re spending on your energy.
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How to check your water meter
If you have a water meter, you might want to check this too. To do this, find your water meter, which is often under the kitchen sink.
Read the black digits from left to right, ignoring any red numbers at the end. Put back any covers or lids to protect the meter.
If you are in receipt of benefits or a pension, you may be able to reduce your water bill by up to 90 per cent. Check the full details on this list.
Check for a faulty smart meter
Chris Shaw, CEO at Utility Bidder, has issued a warning on the dangers of a faulty smart meter: “It is very important to make sure your smart meter is working properly because if it is faulty it can pose several dangers.
“Firstly, a faulty smart meter can lead to inaccurate energy bills, which will in time result in either being overcharged or undercharged. There may also be communication issues with your energy supplier due to the confusing readings of the faulty meter, this could then lead to you relying on an estimation from previous bills which could cause frustration and financial concern.
“You need to contact your energy supplier straight away if your gas or electricity stops working, and once you have done this, they are legally obliged to send someone out to take a look at the meter and either repair or replace it.
“If your power supply is still working at the time of contact, the supplier will take the necessary steps to fix the problem – whether this is booking an appointment further down the line or looking at any faults remotely.”
