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  • How do I read my meter?

    • Quick Answer: To read your British Gas meter, check the type—digital, imperial, dial, or smart—and record the numbers shown, ignoring any red digits or decimals. Submit readings via your online account, mobile app, or phone.

      Why Meter Readings Matter

      Meter readings help British Gas bill you accurately for the gas you use. If you don’t submit readings regularly (unless you have a smart meter), your bills may be based on estimates, which could mean you pay too much or too little.

      Step 1: Identify Your Meter Type

      British Gas customers typically have one of the following gas meters:

      Digital Metric Meter

      Imperial Meter

      Dial Meter

      Smart Meter

      Each type looks different and is read in a slightly different way.

      Step 2: How to Read Each Type of Meter

      🔢Digital Metric Meter

      Look for a row of five black numbers.

      Ignore any numbers after the decimal point or shown in red.

      Example: If your meter shows 00254.3, record 00254.

      🔢Imperial Meter

      Shows four black numbers.

      Ignore any red digits.

      Example: If your meter shows 2988, record 2988.

      🕰️Dial Meter

      Read the bottom row of four dials from left to right.

      Ignore any other dials.

      If a pointer is between two numbers, record the lower one.

      Each dial turns in the opposite direction to the one before it.

      Example: If the dials point to 6, 4, 5, and 6, your reading is 6456.

      📱Smart Meter

      Smart meters send readings automatically, but you may need to read it manually in some cases.

      Press the red button ‘A’ twice.

      Look for a screen that says ‘Meter Index’.

      That number is your reading.

      Step 3: Record the Reading

      Always write down the reading clearly and include the date. This helps British Gas track your usage and ensures your bills are accurate.

      Step 4: Submit Your Reading

      You can send your reading to British Gas in several ways:

      Online account: Log in and submit in a few clicks.

      Mobile app: Tap through to the meter reading section.

      Phone: Use the automated service to submit your reading.

      Form: If you don’t have an account, use the online form.

      Extra Tips

      Submit readings monthly if you have a traditional meter.

      Don’t include red digits or decimals—they’re not used for billing.

      Check both display windows if your meter has two screens.

      Keep a photo of your meter for reference, especially when moving home.

      What Happens If You Don’t Submit a Reading?

      If you don’t send in readings, British Gas will estimate your usage. This can lead to:

      Overpaying or underpaying

      Unexpected bills later

      Difficulty spotting leaks or faults

      Regular readings help British Gas manage supply and increase use of renewables.

      Want to Avoid Manual Readings?

      British Gas offers free smart meter installation. With a smart meter, you’ll:

      Never need to submit readings manually

      See your usage in real time

      Get more accurate bills

      You can request one through your online account or by contacting British Gas.

      Summary

      Reading your gas meter is easy once you know your meter type. For British Gas customers:

      Digital and imperial meters: Read the black numbers only.

      Dial meters: Read the bottom row, noting the lower number if the pointer is between digits.

      Smart meters: Usually automatic, but press button ‘A’ twice to see your reading if needed.

      Submit your reading online, via app, or by phone to keep your bills accurate and avoid surprises.

      Sources

      British Gas: How to read your meter
      British Gas: Pay as you go meter reading
      British Gas: Submit a meter reading


    • View More: British Gas How do I read my meter?
    •  
    • View Answer at https://www.britishgas.co.uk/HelpAndAdvice/LookUp/?SXI=13,CASE=1660
    •  
    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
    •  

  • How often should I read my meter?

  • How to submit your meter reading

  • How do you use my meter reading?

  • What happens if I can't give you a meter reading?

  • My bill is estimated but I'd like to give my own reading

  • Submitting your meter reading by text message

    • British Gas no longer accepts meter readings by text message. If you’ve used this service in the past, you’ll need to switch to one of the current methods. This guide explains what’s changed, why meter readings still matter, and how to submit them easily online, by app, or by phone.

      Why Meter Readings Matter

      If you don’t have a smart meter, British Gas relies on your manual readings to calculate your bill. Without them, they’ll estimate your usage — which could mean you pay too much or too little.

      ✅ Accurate bills based on actual usage

      ✅ No surprise charges or catch-up payments

      ✅ Better control over your energy spending

      What’s Changed: No More Text Message Submissions

      British Gas previously allowed customers to submit readings by replying to a text message. This service has now been discontinued. You can no longer send readings via SMS, even if you receive a prompt.

      If you’re unsure whether you’re still registered for text alerts, you can check your account online or call British Gas on 0330 054 5340.

      Current Ways to Submit Your Meter Reading

      💻Online via Your Account

      Visit britishgas.co.uk/meterreads
      Log in with your account details
      Enter your gas and/or electricity readings
      Submit and view your updated balance

      📱British Gas Mobile App

      Download the British Gas Energy app from the App Store or Google Play
      Log in and tap Submit a meter reading
      Follow the prompts to enter your reading
      You’ll get confirmation instantly

      ☎️By Phone (Automated Service)

      Call 0333 202 9802
      Choose the option to submit a meter reading
      Enter your reading using your keypad

      How to Read Your Meter

      Depending on your meter type, here’s what to look for:

      • Digital meters: Read the numbers from left to right. Ignore any red digits or numbers after a decimal.

      • Dial meters: Record the numbers the pointer is on or just passed. Skip any dials marked “1000s”.

      • Two-rate meters (Economy 7): Submit both day and night readings. These may be labelled “Rate 1” and “Rate 2”.

      Need help? See the British Gas meter reading guide.

      Consider Upgrading to a Smart Meter

      Smart meters send readings automatically, so you don’t need to submit them manually. Benefits include:

      • No more estimated bills

      • Real-time usage tracking

      • Easier budgeting

      You can request a free smart meter via your online account or by calling 0800 0728 625. Learn more at britishgas.co.uk/smart-meters.

      Summary

      Method Available? How to Use
      Text message ❌ No Service discontinued
      Online account ✅ Yes britishgas.co.uk/meterreads
      Mobile app ✅ Yes British Gas Energy app
      Phone (automated) ✅ Yes Call 0330 054 5340
      Smart meter ✅ Yes Automatically sends readings

      Sources

      • British Gas – Submit a meter reading
      • British Gas Help – How to read your meter
      • British Gas Help – Smart meters


    • View More: British Gas Submitting your meter reading by text message
    •  
    • View Answer at
    •  
    • This article was generated for general information only and does not constitute legal or any other form of advice.
    •  

  • How can I get a smart meter?

  • Where will my smart meters be fitted?

  • Will I get an in-home display monitor as well as smart meters?

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