Estimated meter readings

We always want you to be paying the right amount for your energy so we read your meter every six months. But if for any reason we can’t take a reading, we’ll use an estimate to bill you.

You can take control of your bills by learning how to read your meter. And it’s easy to update your readings online or with our freephone Meterline. This will give you the peace of mind that you’re paying the right amount.

Follow our simple guide to estimated billing:

How do I know if my meter readings are estimated?
Why is my meter reading estimated?
If my meter reading is estimated, can I give you a reading?
I have difficulty reading my meter - can you help?
Find out more

 How do I know if my bill is estimated?

You can check if your bill is estimated in two ways

1. The easiest way is to look at the front page of your bill. Underneath your address you’ll see a either a thumbs up or a thumbs down picture.

A thumbs up means we have billed you to an actual meter reading. This is great – you’re paying the right amount for the energy you’re using.

A thumbs down means we have billed you to an estimated meter reading. This is not ideal – you could be paying too much or too little for your energy.

2. You can also check by looking at the back of your bill. In the section that explains your statement,you’ll find two sets of digits. The first digit is your last meter reading and the second is your current reading. You’re billed for the difference between the two. And if there’s an (E) after the second set of digits, your bill is estimated.
The below example shows that the reading of 12187 (E) for 28th August is an estimate.

Here’s an example:

YOUR ELECTRICITY USAGE

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 Why is my meter reading estimated?

We try to visit your home every six months to take a meter reading. If for one reason or another, we’re not able to get one, we use an estimate. We base estimate readings on a number of things including:

• The amount of energy you’ve used in the past
• The average amount of energy used by customers with similar usage patterns
• Whether it’s summer or winter

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 Can I give you a reading?

Yes, by giving us a meter reading, your bills will reflect an accurate amount of energy you’re using. You won’t be paying too much and you won’t be faced with surprisingly higher bills at a later date. You can update your meter reading online or call our free Meterline service on 0800 220 995 - it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll update the meter readings and get a new bill to you within 7 days.

If you don’t know how to read your meter, check out our useful guide.

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I have difficulty reading my meter

If you have difficulty reading your meter, please contact us. One of our expert advisers will be able to help.

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Find out more

You can use the following links to:

Find out about comparing bills

View our FAQs

View our Customer Charter

Find out about more help for the elderly and disabled

If you’re still concerned about your bills, please contact us online.

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