How Carers Can Stay on Top of Energy Meter Readings

Reviewed by: Dr Jackie Gray, Public Health Expert and Retired GP
(Carents Trusted Reviewer Programme – Last reviewed July 2025)

• Manual readings: You look at the meter yourself and report the numbers by phone, online, or app.

• Smart meter readings: Sent automatically to your supplier. These can be great for older relatives because they remove the hassle of crawling under stairs or squinting at dials.

• Estimated readings: If no actual reading is available, suppliers guess the usage.Over time, this can create discrepancies. Though estimates might work decently for a short priod, they can lead to big readjustment bills.

Electric Meters:

You may see a digital meter (with an electronic display) or a dial meter (a series of clock-like dials).

• If it’s digital, write down all the numbers before the decimal.

• If it’s a dial meter, read from left to right, ignoring the dial’s direction. If a pointer is between two numbers, record the lower number.

Gas Meters:

• Works the same way. Ignore red numbers or decimals.

• If you live in a block of flats, double-check you’re looking at your own meter, not a neighbour’s.

Remember to verify that you’re looking at the correct meter, particularly if the property has separate gas and electricity meters in an outdoor cupboard or if you live in a flat with multiple meters in a communal area.

Submitting a reading is simple once you know where to go.

• Online: Log into your energy supplier’s website and enter the numbers.

• By phone: Most suppliers have an automated line. Keep the numbers ready before you call.

• App: If your supplier has an app, you can usually send the reading in seconds.

For older relatives who aren’t online, you can make the call on their behalf with their permission. Keeping track of submission dates avoids billing surprises later.

• Set reminders: Mark a monthly or quarterly date on the calendar or set a recurring phone alert to read and submit the figure.

• Take a photo: Snap a quick photo of the meter reading on your phone. This acts as proof if a dispute arises later.

• Use the app: Some suppliers have user-friendly mobile apps for quick submission. If your loved one is confident with a smartphone, a two-tap process can handle it..

• Check the PSR: If your parent is on the Priority Services Register, they might qualify for home visits or more frequent meter checks from the supplier.

Smart meters send readings automatically, so bills stay accurate. They’re ideal if your parent struggles with mobility. But not all areas have strong signals, and if the connection drops, the meter may stop sending data. Always ask the supplier if your home is eligible before installing one.

Help with energy costs for older people

If your parent is struggling with energy costs, there are support schemes worth checking:

• Warm Home Discount: A one-off payment on electricity bills.

• Winter Fuel Payment: Automatic for most pensioners.

• Priority Services Register: Offers free safety checks and meter help.

Ask the supplier what support your parent qualifies for. It’s worth the call, these benefits can reduce bills and take real pressure off.

• Hard-to-reach meters: Tell your supplier. They may offer help or a free key for outdoor cabinets.

• Bills jumping up and down: Could be missing readings or a faulty meter. Send readings more often or ask for a check.

• Meter mix-up: In flats, the wrong meter can be linked to your address. Double-check with your landlord or energy company.

If your bills stay unpredictable even with regular readings, it might be time to switch.
Compare tariffs online or ask a trusted relative to help. Many comparison sites let you see whether a fixed tariff would cut your costs.
Before switching, take a final meter reading and send it to your old supplier. That ensures your last bill is correct.

Accurate readings aren’t just about numbers, they protect your budget and peace of mind. Whether you do it yourself or help an older relative, take a minute each month to note the reading. Those small steps make a big difference over time.

Reviewed by Dr Jackie Gray, July 2025