When’s the best time to submit meter readings
Not everyone needs to submit meter readings. If you’re on a variable tariff and don’t have smart meters, submit meter reads before energy price changes so you’re only charged for the energy you use.
Published on 20th March 2026
Lee Dittrich, Technical Director, Asset Finance & Metering
In this guide
Why do I need to submit meter readings?
If you don’t have smart meters, it’s good practice to send regular meter readings to your energy provider so you only pay for the energy you use.
For those of you who are on a standard variable tariff, we encourage you to submit meter readings just before a new ‘price cap’ is set by the energy regulator Ofgem every 3 months on 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October.
If you’re with British Gas for your energy, you can send us your meter reads a few days before, or up to 14 days after a new price cap is set and we’ll make sure we use it in your next bill.
Who should submit meter readings?
Customers who are on a variable energy tariff and don’t have smart meters or whose smart meters aren’t sending automated meter reads need to submit meter readings.
Should I submit meter readings?
You don’t need to send meter readings if:
- You’re on a fixed rate tariff - your unit rates are fixed and won’t change in line with the price cap
- You have smart meters – your smart meter sends meter readings to your energy supplier automatically, so you don’t have to
- You have a Pay as You Go (prepayment) meter – you pay for the energy you use upfront, so there’s no need to submit meter readings
When’s the best time to submit meter readings to get accurate bills throughout the year?
Monthly Direct Debit customers. If you pay a fixed amount each month via Direct Debit, you’ll be asked to send a meter reading twice a year before your next Direct Debit review. You'll get a bill once you've submitted a reading, outlining any changes to your Direct Debit amount if needed. You won't receive a bill if it's outside of your Direct Debit review period.
Cash/cheque customers. If you pay by cash or cheque, you’ll be asked to submit a meter reading each month. If you don’t send a read, you’ll get a bill that’s based on estimated usage, and you may be paying more than you need to.
How do I send meter readings?
Your energy provider will send you regular reminders with instructions when it’s time to send in your meter readings. Depending on your contact preferences, this may be via email, text message. It’s quick and easy to do online.
- Write down the numbers from your meter in full starting from the left and including any zeros at the start
- Enter them carefully using the link provided in your energy company’s email or text reminder, in your online account, or on your energy company’s website or mobile app
- You’ll see your meter reading history updated in your online account within a few days after you’ve submitted your reads.
Submit a meter reading
Giving accurate meter readings means your bill is a true reflection of your energy usage, rather than estimating based on your previous usage.
Need help to read your meters?
If you’re unsure how to take a meter reading, check out our meter reading guide for all meter types.
Why doesn’t my smart meter send automatic readings?
Got a smart meter but still need to send meter readings to us? You’re not alone.
This fault is common for people who’ve changed energy supplier at some point or have an older style of smart meter.
The good news is the energy industry is working to fix the problem.
If you’re with British Gas for your energy and your smart meter isn’t sending us readings, we’ll already be aware and working to put it right. We’ll try to fix it remotely, and if we need to visit, we’ll contact you to book a meter upgrade.
How do I get a smart meter?
Getting a smart meter installed in your home is easy to arrange and won’t cost you a thing. Just contact your energy company and they’ll explain the next steps.
An engineer will come to your house and swap your old meters for smart meters. You’ll also get a smart energy monitor which will make it easy to see all your energy usage info in one place.