Reading your gas or electricity meter might not sound exciting, but getting it right is crucial. Whether you’re managing your business energy or your home bills, submitting accurate meter readings ensures you only pay for the energy you use – not an estimated amount.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to read every type of UK smart meter so you can confidently send accurate readings to your energy supplier.
⚡ Electric Meter Types
The way you take a reading depends on the type of electricity smart meter you have. Below you’ll find each common type and exactly what to do.
Meters with a Keypad
Single Rate Tariff
Press 9 and wait until you see ‘IMP KWH’. You’ll then see a number followed by KWH. Write down the numbers from left to right, ignoring any zeros at the start or after the decimal point.
Multi-Rate Tariff
Press 6 until ‘IMP R01’ appears – this is usually your off-peak rate. Press 6 again to show ‘IMP R02’ – your peak rate. Record both readings, again ignoring any unnecessary zeros.
💡 Tip: To find out which rate is your day or night reading, take one reading in the morning and another later that day. The one that increases is your day rate.
Meters with ‘A’ and ‘B’ Buttons Below the Screen
Press the A button, then press it again until you see ‘TOTAL ACT IMPORT’ and numbers followed by KWH. Write down the figures from left to right, ignoring zeros and anything after the decimal point.
Meters with a Green ‘A’ Button and White ‘B’ Button
Single Rate Tariff
Press the white B button to light up the screen. When ‘Meter Boost’ appears, press the green A button to select “No.” You should then see a number followed by KWH. Write this down as your reading.
Multi-Rate Tariff
Press the green A button until ‘Rate 01 Act Imp’ (off-peak) appears, then press it again until ‘Rate 02 Act Imp’ (peak) shows. Record both readings from left to right.
Meters with Three Buttons to the Right of the Screen
Single Rate Tariff
Press the middle button and note the number below ‘IMP’.
Multi-Rate Tariff Press the middle button to display R1 (off-peak), press again for R2 (peak), and once more for T, which shows your total reading. You’ll usually only need to submit the total if your supplier asks for it.
Meters with One Orange and Two Blue Buttons
Press the orange button and write down the numbers shown on the screen. Ignore any zeros at the start or after the decimal point.
Meters with Two White Buttons to the Right of the Screen
Simply note down the numbers shown before KWH. Ignore any zeros or decimal figures.
Meters with Two Buttons (One Labelled ‘Reconnect’)
Press Display Select until you see KWH on the screen, then write down the numbers shown. Ignore any zeros or decimals.
Meters with a Green ‘A’ Button and a Grey ‘B’ Button
Write down the numbers from left to right, ignoring any zeros at the beginning or anything after the decimal point.
Meters with Two Yellow Buttons to the Left of the Screen
Single Rate Tariff
Press the right-hand yellow button until ‘TOU 1’ appears with numbers followed by KWH. Record the figures.
Multi-Rate Tariff
Repeat the same process until ‘TOU 2’ appears for your second rate reading.
If your meter has one blue button and one orange button
Single Rate Tariff
Press the blue A button until ‘Total Active Import kWh’ appears. Write down the numbers shown.
Multi-Rate Tariff
Follow the same steps again to show ‘TOU Rate 1’ and ‘TOU Rate 2’, noting both readings
🔥 Gas Meter Types
Gas meters use similar principles to electric smart meters – you just need to look for M3 on the display.
Meters with ‘A’ and ‘B’ Buttons Below the Screen
Press the A button until ‘Meter Index’ and numbers followed by M3 appear. Write the numbers from left to right, ignoring zeros and decimals.
Meters with Three Red Buttons
Press the left button and record the numbers shown, ignoring any zeros at the start and anything after the decimal point.
Meters with a Middle Button and Two Arrows either side
Press the middle button and write down the number before the decimal point.
Meters with a Keypad
Press 9 to display ‘VOLUME’, then wait for ‘M3’. Record the numbers shown, ignoring any leading zeros or decimal digits.
Meters with Orange and Blue Arrows
Press the orange button until a number followed by M3 appears. Note the figures left to right.
Meters with Buttons on Both Sides of the Screen
Press the right-hand button until you see numbers followed by M3. If you see a small number such as 01 at the start, ignore it. Write down the main reading only.
✅ Why Accurate Readings Matter
Providing regular and accurate meter readings ensures your bills reflect your actual energy usage. It helps you avoid overpaying based on estimates and gives you a clearer picture of your consumption — useful if you’re reviewing your tariff or planning for renewal.
💡 Need Help Reducing Your Energy Costs?
At WeSave, we help UK businesses compare the best energy deals from trusted suppliers — saving time, money, and stress.
Call us today on 01872 495 111 to find out how much your business could save on its next energy renewal.