Bills and meter reading

Energy bolt icon

It's really important to read your meters and provide regular readings to your supplier.

If they don’t get up to date readings, they'll rely on estimates which can lead to inaccurate bills.

How do I take meter readings?

image of meter reading

Read the numbers from left to right, including any zeros – this is the meter reading you should provide to your supplier.

Ignore any numbers after the decimal point or in red. If your meter does not have a decimal point, read all numbers, including any zeros. The reading for this meter would be 05812.

Estimated bills

Estimated electricity bill

It is not recommended to pay a bill if it is estimated.

If your supplier has underestimated how much gas or electric you have used, you could be faced with a large bill or debt owing.  Similarly, if they have overestimated your usage, they will owe you money.

If you receive an estimated bill, simply take the reading, give it to your supplier, and ask for a new accurate bill.

How do I check if my bills are estimated?

Estimated electricity bill

You should check your bill when it arrives to see if it show an actual or estimated reading.

In this example, the bill is estimated at 003433.

Simply take a new meter reading, give it to your supplier, and ask for a new accurate bill.

Our free Home Energy Advice Service can help you to reduce your bills

We offer free Home Energy Advice Sessions to help you reduce your energy bills.

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When you book a free Home Energy Advice Session, our Home Energy Adviser will:

  • review your energy tariffs,
  • look at applying for grants and trust funds,
  • share tips to reduce your energy costs (while keeping things warm during the colder months),
  • provide advice on Winter Fuel Payments,
  • support you with energy disputes and making complaints to your energy provider,
  • and - where possible - provide even more tailored support based on your circumstances.

You can book a free Home Energy Advice Session by calling 07782 522498 or emailing  energyadvice@boltonathome.org.uk.

"My arrears were reduced to zero, thanks to Tom**!"

Our tenant Jean (name changed) thought Tom could help, so she got in touch.

Jean raised concerns over an unexpected £600+ bill she’d received (following a takeover of her previous energy supplier), so, Tom arranged a home visit to work things out.

After assisting with a three-way call, submitting up-to-date meter readings, and disputing the balance- it wasn’t long before he’d helped reduce Jean’s arrears to zero.

As well as reducing her arrears to zero, Jean also benefited from Tom's expert advice on how to save energy around the house.

**Tom is our Home Energy Adviser.