The use of meters in your fuel supply has a great significance in indicating the number of units you have consumed and what amount you can expect in your bill.
This is one best way to regulate the fuel consumption, thereby reducing unwanted loss of energy and money.
Gas meter fittings are generally available through your supplier.
The Types You can find three types of measuring devices; digital imperial, digital metric and dial meters.
All readings display a four or five digit number to indicate the number of units of fuel consumed.
Suppliers convert these units into kilowatt hours to reflect the actual cost in your bill.
Digital imperial devices display units in cubic feet whereas metric ones display in cubic meters.
The dial system features six clock style dials that measure the units in cubic feet.
Digital metric system is the latest in the system displaying the units in decimals.
Smart meters are soon to replace such gas meter fittings in the UK to measure both the consumption of energy in your house.
These are capable of measuring the exact consumption of energy units, and send the information back to your energy supplier for an accurate bill.
Maintaining the Readings If you are switching the gas company, you need to make a note of your Meter Point Reference Number or MPRN that can be found on your bill.
It is best if you contact the supplier for testing the accuracy of the device, at least once a year.
In general, suppliers note your readings every two years.
However, to ensure accuracy of measurements and to understand how much you consume in an average per month, it is best if you note your readings every three months and submit them to the supplier.
Doing so will help the supplier analyze if you require meter box spares or repairs.
Prepayment Meters The use of prepayment meters is also prominent in the UK.
Each consumer is given a card or key or a prepayment token that can be recharged for energy use.
Such devices are different than the rest, displaying a lot of other information in them including the amount credited, the remaining credit, outstanding amount, rate per unit of the fuel, units consumed, fixed charges for the consumption etc.
Once the credit is over, the gas supplier cuts off your fuel supply.
Upon recharging your card or taking a new token, you can resume energy consumption.
Companies generally send consumer statements on a quarterly or annual basis.
Any requirement of meterbox spares or repairs must be immediately reported to the supplier to prevent loss of energy.