UK Energy Meters
For Tenants, Homeowners, and Landlords in the United Kingdom

This page provides official guidance on energy meters used to measure electricity and gas consumption in domestic properties across the United Kingdom. It applies to tenants, homeowners, and landlords responsible for managing or accessing metering equipment in their homes.

Energy meters are essential for accurate billing, energy monitoring, and supply regulation. All energy meters must comply with national standards and are subject to oversight by energy suppliers, network operators, and the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Types of Energy Meters

There are several types of domestic meters, each with different features depending on the property, tariff, and supplier preferences.

Standard Credit Meters

Standard meters record energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and are read manually or automatically for billing purposes.

System Overview:

  • Installed by your energy supplier
  • Read either monthly, quarterly, or annually
  • Usage is billed based on actual or estimated readings

Suitability:
Common in homes with fixed or variable tariffs, especially where occupants pay by direct debit or receive paper bills.

Access Requirements:
Must be accessible for meter readers or household residents to take readings when needed.

Prepayment Meters

Prepayment meters require users to pay in advance for energy by topping up with a card, key, or online payment.

System Overview:

  • Credit is deducted as energy is consumed
  • Offers emergency and friendly credit features
  • Debt repayment deductions may be built in

Suitability:
Common in rental properties and for households managing energy budgets weekly.

Top-Up Methods:

  • PayPoint or Payzone retailers
  • Online portals or supplier apps (for smart prepayment meters)

Smart Meters

Smart meters automatically record energy use and send readings to your supplier without the need for manual submission.

System Overview:

  • Displays real-time usage and cost via in-home display (IHD)
  • Enables accurate billing without estimated readings
  • Can be operated in credit or prepayment mode

Suitability:
Recommended for all households; offered at no extra cost as part of a national rollout.

Additional Features:

  • Tracks daily, weekly, and monthly consumption
  • Supports time-of-use tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10

To request a smart meter, contact your energy supplier.

Economy 7 / Economy 10 Meters

These meters record usage at two or more rates—typically a day rate and a cheaper night rate.

System Overview:

  • Two registers track usage during peak and off-peak times
  • Suitable for properties using electric heating systems like storage heaters

Suitability:
Beneficial where significant electricity use occurs overnight (e.g. heating, hot water).

Important Note:
To benefit fully, household energy use should be timed to coincide with the cheaper rate periods.

Multi-Rate Meters

Multi-rate meters record energy use across multiple time bands and are typically used for bespoke or legacy tariffs.

System Overview:

  • Three or more rate registers may be included
  • Often used in large properties or non-domestic buildings adapted for residential use

Suitability:
Only suitable for specific tariff structures. Contact your supplier for clarification if unsure.

Meter Reading and Maintenance

Taking Readings:

  • Most meters display readings in kWh for electricity and cubic meters (m³) or cubic feet for gas
  • Smart meters display readings digitally
  • Suppliers offer guidance on how to read both standard and smart meters

Estimated vs Actual Readings:

  • Bills based on estimated readings can lead to over- or underpayment
  • Submit actual readings regularly if you don’t have a smart meter

Maintenance:

  • Meter accuracy and condition are the supplier’s responsibility
  • Damaged or faulty meters must be reported immediately
  • Only qualified personnel may repair or replace meters

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

  • Tenants are usually responsible for the meter if the account is in their name
  • Landlords must ensure meters are safe, accessible, and compliant
  • For HMOs or multiple units, landlords may require separate meters for each dwelling or unit
  • Landlords may not tamper with meters or charge tenants more than the supplier’s rates

Access and Safety Regulations

Energy meters must:

  • Be safely housed in a meter box or cabinet
  • Remain unobstructed for emergency access and readings
  • Be located according to supplier and building regulation requirements

If a meter is in an inaccessible or hazardous location, the supplier may arrange relocation, particularly for vulnerable households registered on the Priority Services Register.

To manage or update your energy meter:

  1. Identify your current meter type (standard, smart, prepayment, or multi-rate)
  2. Check your latest bill or contact your supplier for meter status and reading guidance
  3. Submit regular readings unless you have a smart meter installed
  4. Request a smart meter upgrade from your supplier if available in your area
  5. Ensure meters are safe, secure, and accessible at all times
  6. Report faults or tampering immediately to your energy supplier or network operator

For additional assistance, or to register for the Priority Services Register, contact your energy supplier or visit www.ofgem.gov.uk for further regulatory information.