Submitting a credit meter reading online

How do I read my meter?

If you have a smart meter, please follow our instructions here.

If you have a conventional meter, please follow our instructions here.

How do I provide a meter reading?

There are several ways to provide a meter reading to us:

Online: If you have an online account, please login here and click ‘Meter readings’ then follow the instructions. If you don’t have an online account you can submit meter readings here by clicking ‘Not yet online’.

On our App: Login and click the ‘Meter’ menu item, then ‘Submit another reading’. If you have a smart meter you won’t be able to submit reads on the app - please visit our meter reading page here for more information.

Why do I need to submit meter readings?

Providing us with meter readings means that your bills are more accurate and will allow us to make sure that you're paying the right amount to cover your energy use.

If your bill is due soon, we will use your reading to generate a bill. If your bill is not quite due, we will use your reading to make sure that our estimation of your bill is as accurate as possible.

How long will it take to see the reading on my account?

If you submit a read to us and it is accepted, you will see it on your account within one day.

I updated my readings incorrectly, what can I do?

If you have provided an incorrect reading don’t worry - please resubmit the correct reading and we will update your account accordingly.

Do you review meter readings before using them?

All readings are validated before we use them for billing or estimation. If you enter a reading online or on the app that doesn’t look quite right, we will let you know immediately with a message on screen. If you are sure that the read is correct you can still submit it, but it will be reviewed by our team and might take longer to appear on your account.

What happens if you can’t use a reading I’ve provided?

If we can’t use the reading you have provided, we will find out if any other readings are available – if there isn’t we’ll estimate your bill. We will let you know if we have been unable to use a reading you’ve provided.

Why are meter readings so important?

Meter readings are important because they allow us to work out how much energy you have used and how much to charge you.

If we don’t get an up-to-date meter reading, we will estimate the amount of energy you have used since your last meter reading to create your bill. Estimated bills mean that you could pay too much or too little for the energy you have used.

What happens if I don’t provide a meter reading?

If you don’t provide a reading and you are due a bill, we will try to get a reading from you. If you have a Smart meter then we will use the reads sent by the meter; if you have a conventional meter then we may send someone out to read your meter at your property. If we are unable to get a reading we will estimate your consumption for billing.

Will someone still come to my house to read my meter if I provide a meter reading?

If you provide a reading and your bill is due, we won’t usually send someone to read your meter at your house.

My electricity meter is single rate, but you are asking for two reads. What should I do?

This means that our records indicate that you have an Economy 7 meter.

On Economy 7 you are charged a separate day rate and a separate night rate, rather than a single flat price. Economy 7 allows you to access cheaper electricity via a cheaper night rate. If you have a SMART meter you may need to press a button to access the night register.

If you are sure that you have a single rate meter, we may hold incorrect information about your account - please get in touch to update your account.

I have found a more general issue with my meter, what should I do?

Please visit our dedicated help and support pages for meters here.

How often should I submit reads?

Once a month is fine, but in general the more often the better. The more readings we have the easier it is for us to create more accurate bills for you.

How do I submit a meter read on a closed account?

Energy accounts are closed and final bills are issued using an industry-agreed change of supply reading. This reading is used by your outgoing supplier for the final bill and your incoming supplier to open the new account. If you need to make changes to an account that has been final billed by British Gas please get in touch.

How can I submit meter readings if I am the landlord of a property?

Landlords can provide readings as part of the home-move process. However, regular readings should be provided by the bill payer.

What should I do if my account number is not recognised?

Please refer to our bill guide here to confirm you are using the correct account number. If you are still having issues please get in touch.