An explanation of how to read a smart electric meter

In some cases, you may need to read your smart meter, such as if:

• You've just changed suppliers; normally, you'll need to send the first meter reading yourself.
• If you change suppliers and they say they can't connect to your meter, this is possible if you have an older smart meter.
• you want to check your meter reading - perhaps to see how it has changed recently

Call your supplier to provide the reading, or see if you can submit one through their website or app.

If you are unable to access your meter, your energy provider may be able to provide you with additional assistance in reading or moving your meter. You can inquire with your energy provider to see if you qualify for additional assistance.

Examine your meter, not your smart energy monitor.

When you have a smart meter installed, you will usually be given a small portable device with a screen. This is known as a'smart energy monitor' or an 'in-home display' (IHD), and it can either be plugged in or run on batteries.  

It's easy to mix up your smart meter and your IHD.

You can learn how to use the IHD with your smart meter here.

You may be able to obtain a reading from the IHD, but it is preferable to obtain one from the meter itself. The meter will be attached to a wall or board - usually a kitchen cupboard or a box on a wall outside your home.

Reading your smart meter

The manner in which you take a reading from a smart electricity meter is determined by the type of meter you have.

If your meter has a keypad, use it.

Begin by determining whether you pay:

• a consistent rate at all times
• There are two rates: one during the day and one at night.

The majority of people pay a single rate at all times. You pay two rates if you have an 'Economy 7' meter. If you're unsure, check your bill to see if you're paying two rates.

To read the meter, follow these steps:

1. press 9
2. Hold your breath until you see the letters 'IMP KWH'
3. After that, you'll see numbers followed by 'KWH' - this is your reading.
4. Make a list of the numbers from left to right.
5. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point are ignored.

To read the meter, do the following:

1. press 6
2. Wait until you see 'IMP R01' followed by numbers - this is usually your 'off-peak' or night reading.
3. Press 6 again until you see 'IMP R02' followed by numbers - this is usually your day or 'peak' reading.
4. Make a list of the numbers from left to right.
5. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point are ignored.

If your meter has A and B buttons beneath the display,

To read the meter, do the following:

1. press the A key
2. Continue to press the A button until you see 'TOTAL ACT IMPORT' and numbers followed by 'KWH.'
3. Write the number down from left to right.
4. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point are ignored.

If your meter has a green A button to the right of the screen and a white B button below it, you've got a problem.

Begin by determining whether you pay:

• a consistent rate at all times
• There are two rates: one during the day and one at night.

The majority of people pay a single rate at all times. You pay two rates if you have an 'Economy 7' meter. If you're unsure, check your bill to see if you're paying two rates.

To read the meter, do the following:

1. The screen will light up when you press the white B button.
2. Wait until the screen says'meter boost' and then press 'A' to select 'no.' You should then see numbers followed by 'KWH.'
3. Write down the numbers from left to right.
4. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point are ignored.

To read the meter, do the following:

1. Activate the green A button
2. Press the green A button once more until you see 'Rate 01 Act Imp' - this is usually your 'off-peak' reading.
3. Press the green button once more until you see 'Rate 02 Act Imp' - this is usually your 'peak' reading for the day.
4. Make a list of the numbers from left to right.
5. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point should be ignored.

If your meter has three buttons on the right side of the screen,

Begin by determining whether you pay:

• at all times a single rate
• There are two rates: one during the day and one at night.

The majority of people pay a single rate at all times. You pay two rates if you have an 'Economy 7' meter. If you're unsure, check your bill to see if you're paying two rates.

To read the meter, do the following:

1. select the middle button
2. From left to right, write the number below 'IMP'.
3. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point are ignored.

To read the meter, do the following:

1. 'R1' should be displayed on the middle button.
2. From left to right, write down the number below 'IMP' - this is usually your night or 'off-peak' reading.
3. Press the middle button once more; it should say 'R2'.
4. Write down the number below 'IMP' from left to right - this is usually your day or 'peak' reading.
5. Press the middle button once more; it should say 'T'.
6. From left to right, write down the number below 'IMP' - this is your 'total' reading.

Ignore any zeroes at the start of numbers and any numbers following the decimal point. The 'total' reading will only be required if your supplier requests it.

If you have one orange and two blue buttons,

A row of numbers is followed by KWH on these meters.

To read the meter, do the following:

1. To the left of the screen, press the orange button.
2. Make a list of the numbers from left to right.
3. Ignore any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point if there is one.

If your meter has two white buttons on the right side of the screen,

'Kaifa MA 120' should be printed on your meter. It will switch between four different screens automatically, so you won't have to do anything.

To read the meter, follow these steps:

1. Wait until the screen displays numbers followed by KWH.
2. Make a list of the numbers from left to right.
3. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point, if present, should be ignored.

If your meter has two buttons to the right of the screen, one of which says "reconnect," press it.

Your meter will have one button labeled "reconnect" and another labeled "display" or "display select."

To read the meter, do the following:

1. 'display' or 'display select' the button
2. Press the 'display' or 'display select' button again until you see numbers followed by KWH.
3. Write the number down from left to right.
4. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after a decimal point, if present, should be ignored.

If your meter has a green A button and a grey B button to the right of the screen,

To read the meter, do the following:

1. Examine the screen; there is no need to press any buttons.
2. From left to right, write down the number next to 'KWH.'
3. Any zeroes at the start and any numbers after the decimal point, if present, should be ignored.

If you can't find your meter on this page, please contact us.

Check to see if your meter displays 'KWH' after the reading. It's a gas meter if it says 'M3'.
If you're unsure whether it's a smart meter or not, it could be a standard meter instead. Examine how to read a standard electric meter.

If you also need to read a smart gas meter, this is the place to be.

Learn how to use your smart gas meter.