It is really important to take your own meter readings. By doing so, you can easily:
1 – Keep a check on the accuracy of readings taken by your utility supplier – everyone makes mistakes (even with supposedly ‘infallible’ technology).
2 – Check your bill for accuracy – don’t pay more than you should.
3 – Keep an eye on your budget – are you keeping enough by to pay your bill?
4 – Avoid the need for your supplier to estimate your bill – if the estimate is low you will have a big shock next time; if it is too high you are spending money unnecessarily.
So, how do you read the all-important meter? With an occasional exception, there are two types of electricity meter in use today in Britain.
The older of the two types is known as a dial meter and has a row of six clock-like dials in a horizontal line next to one another. The dial on the far right, which is usually a different colour to the other dials, should be ignored. The meter is read from left to right by writing down the number indicated by the pointer on each of the dials. When the pointer is pointing between two numbers, you should always write down the lower of the two numbers.
The second, and more modern type of meter is known as a digital meter. It has a row of six numbers, each in its own small window. The window at the far right should be ignored. The meter is read from left to right by writing down the digit shown in each small window. Simple! Some homes and other buildings may have digital meters with two rows of numbers, one above the other. These are found where there is a cheaper rate of electricity available at certain times of the day (known as off-peak tariffs). The upper register of numbers is the normal tariff, and the lower register is the off-peak tariff. Both readings should be taken and passed on to your supplier.
When your electricity bill arrives, it is as important for you to inspect it as it is to read the meter. Some utility suppliers opt to send their bills electronically via e-mail, although most still have the option of sending them by snail-mail. Whichever method is used, the bill will take a similar format. It usually starts with the amount of the last bill, and then shows how much you paid, and the resultant balance. Then comes the current amount, and this is where your own meter reading pays off, because you can compare the number of units shown on the bill with the number of units from your meter reading. If the bill shows an estimated figure, now is the time to contact the utility supplier, give them your meter reading, and ask them to re-calculate and re-issue your bill.
So, always check your meter. It’s all about monitoring the amount of electricity that you are using, and making sure that you are being billed for the correct amount.
Brenda Hine is a professional poker player who travels the world. She is a champion of the day-to-day causes of ordinary folk, and has a special concern over the problems faced by older people in a fast moving, technologically driven world. She has written several articles aimed at helping vulnerable people.
