How to Read Your Energy Meters: A Student's Guide to Gas, Electric and Water Usage

Reading your energy meters might not be the most glamorous part of student life, but it’s an important one. Whether you're in a bills-included house or managing utilities yourself, knowing how to check your usage can help you avoid unexpected charges and stay within your fair usage allowance.

Why Meter Readings Matter

Your gas, electricity, and water meters track how much you're using. Even in a bills-included property, these readings are used to:

• Monitor usage against your energy cap

• Prevent overcharging or incorrect estimates

• Spot issues like leaks or faulty appliances

• Keep your deposit protected at the end of your tenancy

Common Gas Meters and How to Read Them

These are some of the most common digital gas meters you might see in student housing, some meters measure in m3 and some in KWH, your usage allowance is measured in KWH and may need converting once you've sent them into us:

• EDMI GS-60B – Record only the black numbers (before the decimal). Ignore decimals and red numbers.

• Itron Gallus sV G G4 – Press the orange or blue button to toggle the screen if needed. Again, read only the black numbers.

• UNIFLO G4SZV-1 – Take a photo of the full screen. Use buttons A, B, or C to wake the screen if blank.

• GWi Digital Meter – Reads similarly, displaying total usage. Capture all visible digits before the decimal point.

• Landis+Gyr G470 – Press button A to wake the screen. Record all digits before the decimal point.

• Liberty EG4v 11 (SECURE) – Use keypad buttons A or B to view readings. Read the black numbers, left to right.

Common Electricity Meters and How to Read Them

Electricity meters usually measure in kWh (kilowatt hours):

• Kaifa MA120 – A digital smart meter. Use arrow buttons to cycle through screens. Record the number shown next to kWh.

• Itron EM425-UK – Simple display, usually always on. Read all digits from left to right.

• Aclara SGM1400 – Use button A or B to cycle through readings. Record kWh reading only.

• Elster AS300P – Shows "Cum. Imp. R01" followed by your kWh usage. This is your electricity total.

How to Take a Reading

1. Locate your meter. If you’re unsure, ask your letting agent.

2. Press any buttons to wake the screen if needed.

3. Take a clear photo showing:

   • The meter display

   • The serial number (usually found near the barcode)

4. Only record the black digits from left to right (ignore decimals and red digits).

Tip: Always keep the photo saved with the date in case you need to refer back.

What Happens If You Go Over Your Energy Cap?

Most Student Housing properties include bills, but with a fair usage cap. If you go over:

• You’ll only be charged the difference

• You’ll be shown the meter readings

• We’ll explain the usage clearly and transparently

Check your meters monthly if you're unsure — it takes two minutes.

Why It Matters

Getting familiar with your meters helps you:

• Avoid surprise charges

• Protect your deposit

• Live more sustainably

It's good for your wallet, your housemates, and the planet.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which meter you have or can’t find it, contact your local Student Housing office or report it online at student-housing.co.uk/fix.

We’re always here to help!